Submitted by Dawn:
(It's addressed to the paddlers, but contains all the info for spectators along the harbour as well):

"Dear Paddle Peeps,

Now in its 3rd year, we are proud to continue our support of Operation Santa Claus with our boxing day paddle! This year though, something new! The paddle will be a race! And turkey sandwiches afterwards! The Santa Sprint!

Leave from Power Station Beach, paddle round to Yung Shue Wan side, collect a 'token' from Dawn at the little pier, race back to PS Beach and first back are winners! There will be prizes! Men, women OC1 and 0C6 versus dragonboat (if enough people/if weather OK, if not will race in 0C6)!<UL COMPACT><LI>Oc1 paddlers will race against each other.
<LI>Oc6 paddlers will pick a red, green or white headband to determine which boat you will paddle in!
<LI>Dragonboaters versus OC6: if enough people sign up, then the above will be a red, green, white or blue headband - with one of the headbands = dragonboat (as opposed to one of the OC6's). This could mean that you've never paddled in a dragonboat or an OC6 - woohoo how exciting, learn as you go!
<LI>Time: race starts 11.00am on beach 10.30am
<LI>Cost: $75 with at least $50 to op santa, plus any remaining after food and very small prizes paid (its all about honour - bigger is not always better!)
<LI>Turkey - a full turkey will be bought, cooked and chopped up, if you have a pile of ham or turkey left or mince pies, Christmas cake etc, please DONATE!! Food will be served at the Island Bar @ 1pm sharp (not a minute before or a minute after). Its for Operation Santa Claus so $75 will be charged whether you paddle or not.</UL>Please note, this is meant as a fun race, hence the coloured headbands. We will learn a lot from this race to make it better next year, but please retain your sense of humour (I know how competitive you get!). Also, food is limited and whilst we will cook a whole turkey, provide stuffing, french bread and GRAVY, once its gone its gone. So, donations would be fantastic!

Sign up now, first come first served, places could be limited, particularly if the dragonboat can't go out.

Will you or your team be the winners of the 1st Santa Sprint!

Ho ho ho!

Dawn"

Click for a photo gallery of a similar event (not a race) 2 years ago:

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