16th edition on Lake Annecy
Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2, Annecy is hosting the 16th edition of the Dragon Boat Festival. The opportunity to discover this sport still unknown and yet ancestral. We will teach you how to discover the program.
The Dragon Boat Annecy, the most important event in France
The Annecy Dragon Boat Festival is the biggest event of this type in France. Organized by the Canoe-Kayak Club of Annecy and Dragon Boat Attitude, it takes place at the Marquisats, at the nautical base. For 16 years, associations, amateurs, experienced athletes and companies have met during this weekend. Teams made up of 16 to 20 paddlers compete on Lake Annecy in races of 2,000 and 200 meters. Between disguises and “hakas”, good humor is essential.
The program of the 16th edition
The Dragon Boat Annecy Festival is therefore two days of events on the lake, on October 1st and 2nd. In other words, you will have the choice between the activities on these dates. Indeed, the High Five Festival takes place on the same weekend, as does the Italian Film Festival. We recommend that you make a plan in advance if you want to take advantage of all three events afterwards. On the Dragon Boat side, Saturday is organized as such:
- Team leaders’ meeting, 11 a.m.
- Meal break, 12 noon.
- Opening ceremony, 2:30 p.m.
- Beginning of cross-country races, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Podium and festive evening, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Sunday, the program will be as follows:
- Arrival and installation, 8 hours.
- Opening ceremony, 9 a.m.
- Sprint class, from 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch break, 12:30 p.m.
- Sprint finals, from 2 p.m.
- Podium and awards ceremony, 4 p.m.
The poster for the 2022 edition
What you need to know about the competition
To participate in the Dragon Boat Annecy Festival and practice this sport, it is necessary to fulfill certain conditions. It is, for example, necessary to be in good physical shape, to be able to swim 25 meters and to immerse yourself completely in the lake. Participants must also provide their license from the French Canoe-Kayak Federation or a medical certificate of non-contraindication to the practice of Dragon Boat in competition and dating from less than one year.
The composition of the teams
Whichever competition you take part in, there is some information about the teams that will need to be taken into account. It is possible to register up to 19 team members, but only 16 paddlers and a drummer will take place in the Chinese boat. The helmsman will be a professional hired by the organizers. It will therefore be possible to have two substitutes. For mixed teams, they must consist of a maximum of 8 men. During the Dragon Boat Annecy Festival, 4 categories will start the races:
- Mixed youth, under 16 years old.
- Mixed seniors, 16 years and over.
- Senior ladies, 16 and over.
- Senior men, 16 years and over.
Registration fees
It is possible to register to take the start of the Dragon Boat Annecy Festival, whether you are in a club or not, until Wednesday September 28, according to the following prices:
- Young people mixed, 18 euros for 1 day and 20 euros for 2 days.
- Other categories, 30 euros for 1 day and 40 euros for 2 days.
- Business teams, a “Partner business” package is offered at the price of 300 euros, in addition to individual registration.
Note that management fees are added automatically. They amount to 5%.
Training options
On September 24 and October 1, training sessions are held. It is possible to reserve a slot for your team made up of 12 to 16 paddlers. These sports sessions last 1h30, including 20 minutes dedicated to equipment and instructions. They are accessible at the price of 295 euros per team and include the provision of equipment, supervision and insurance.
Useful information
Several events taking place on the same weekend in Annecy, the car parks may quickly become full. We recommend that you avoid taking your car as much as possible. Choose public transport such as the bus or bicycle, especially if you are a simple spectator. Traveling to Annecy by train can also be a good option. The journey between the station and the nautical base is short and this can be a perfect warm-up.
Where to stay for the Dragon Boat Annecy Festival?
We advise you, ideally, to avoid the Old Town or the area around the Courrier shopping centre. also try to look for accommodation that includes parking.
Hotel Le Pelican
Located a few meters from the Marquisats, the hotel Le Pélican will allow you to go to the place of the race. You can also take advantage of the private car park, the swimming pool, the terrace and the view of Lake Annecy.
From 311 euros per night.
The Boutique Hotel
Located on the edge of the Old Town, the Boutik Hotel is in the immediate vicinity of the race venue. It will also allow you to take a tour of the city center easily. Another positive point, the breakfast offered is particularly rich.
From 222 euros per night.
Hotel Les Trésoms, Lake Resort and Spa
Another option available to you is the hotel Les Trésoms. It is located just 5 minutes from the Marquisats beach. Including spa and sauna, it will be easy for you to recover after the competition and relax while enjoying the view of the lake.
From 197 euros per night.