2023 puerto rico - Jan. 27-28

In late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rusty Dragons had a crew of Canadians and Americans planning to go to this dragon boat festival just north of Ponce on the south side of Puerto Rico.  Then a series of strong earthquakes hit very close to the race site at Ponce and the event was cancelled.  And then further cancellations came due to the pandemic.  They finally ran the festival again in March 2022 but this time in the capital city of San Juan (Condado Lagoon).  We didn't go then as it was uncertain to occur and we were still in the pandemic.  But it's time to return!!

Status Update (Jan 11):  Zoom meeting is 8:30 PM EST tonight. We will continue to take on new registrants as we will likely create a 4th team (so register even if you think the teams are full).  If interested, register ASAP as we may close registration at any time.  Feel free to call Tim at 647-971-7332 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (or WhatsApp) if you or your group want to join us and you have any questions.

• Race day is Saturday, Jan. 28th, with practices on Friday Jan. 27th (likely one in the morning and one in the afternoon). 
• These are 10-person boats with each person being able to join 1, 2, or 3 teams (mixed, women, open teams). 
• Races will take place at the 500m (x2) and 200m (x2) distances.  Time permitting, there may be 2k races at the end of the day.
  
• The location is San Juan in the north (Laguna del Condado), and NOT Ponce in the south where it was for many years.
• Travel and accomodations will be coordinated among participants.  
• Everyone is responsible for their own bookings, but we share what others are doing to help make it easier, better, and less expensive.
  
• Intended for experienced paddlers who want to paddle competitively at an international event (and race in small boats).
• A WhatsApp chat group will be created for communications before and during the trip.
• The base plan is to arrive by Wednesday evening so we can practice Thursday evening and Friday during the day.
• Team dinners will be arranged for Thursday and Saturday evenings. 
• Side trips (optional) include...
     > El Yunque National Rainforest and hike up mountain trails (near Fajardo).  
     > Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay) on the smaller island of Vieques planned for evening of Wed Jan 25th.
     > San Juan Fort historical tour (and downtown San Juan).
  
  

Use the registration button below to register for this event.  Don't miss the boat!

The cost is $85 CAD / $65 USD for first team you register for, plus $55 CAD / $40 USD for each additional team joined.
Payments can be made via Interac in Canada to "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." or via PayPal invoice for our American athletes.

If you have any questions, call or e-mail Tim MacFarlane as detailed in the contact info at the bottom of this page.

 Mixed Team

 1.  Tim MacFarlane

 2. Will Bober

 3. Thomas Hull

 4. Mark Roces

 5. Tony Leung

 6. Diane Gropp

 7. Tosha Harry

 8. Judy Vye

 9. Estelle McCalmont

10. Debbie Young-Hermanns

11. Céline Fournier

12. Claire Roces

13. Donna Murphy

14. Megan Mountain

15. Jonathan Archer

16. 

Womens Team

 1. Tosha Harry

 2. Diane Gropp

 3. Estelle McCalmont

 4. Judy Vye

 5. Laurie McVey

 6. Shida Yari

 7. Debbie Young-Hermanns

 8. Céline Fournier

 9. Claire Roces

10.  Rhonda Richardson

11. Carrigain Scadden

12. Cassandra Tafoya

13. Donna Murphy

14. Megan Mountain

15. 

Open Team

 1. Tim MacFarlane

 2. Will Bober

 3. Thomas Hull

 4. Mark Roces

 5. Tony Leung

 6. Estelle McCalmont

 7. Judy Vye

 8. Tosha Harry

 9. Diane Gropp

10. Claire Roces

11. Louise Granahan

12. Maura Walsh

13. Rhonda Richardson

14. Bernie Gutierrez

15. Megan Mountain

16. Jonathan Archer