Isle of Wight Festival Dragon Boat Race
Date: Thursday, 23rd April 2015 (St George’s Day)
Location: Isle of Wight
Charity: WellChild
On one of the hottest and most beautiful days of the year, Race the Dragon made its debut on the Isle of Wight — and what an unforgettable experience it was! The event brought together celebrities, stunning scenery, and fierce racing, all in support of the WellChild charity.
Event Overview
The focal point of the day was none other than the giant dragon skull from the first season of Game of Thrones, unveiled by Isle of Wight Festival organiser John Giddings, an avid fan who had recently acquired the dramatic prop. Large marquees were set up around this centrepiece, creating a striking festival hub complete with a free bar, BBQ, and great music (with a dash of cheesy classics for good measure).
The event was a corporate charity challenge, with teams made up of suppliers, security staff, and event crews associated with the Isle of Wight Festival. Together, they raised over £50,000 for WellChild, funding a dedicated nurse to care for around 50 seriously ill children for an entire year.
“Definitely the best day at work I have ever had!”
— David Steele, Operations Manager for the Isle of Wight Festival (Team Wight Lightning)
The Racing
First Round
As participants arrived, the atmosphere quickly shifted from calm to electric. With teams gearing up for their safety briefings, the air was filled with playful banter, strategy talk, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit.
The races featured three-boat starts, adding to the intensity and spectacle. Cameras caught every moment — including photo finishes — as crowds roared from the shore. The standout team of Round One was Booze Crewz, clocking a time of 52 seconds. Their simple yet effective motto, “We’re just not going to tip the boat,” proved to be a winning tactic!
Second Round
With one race under their belts, teams returned to the water sharper and more determined. Improved technique and team coordination saw faster times across the board. Wight Lightning made an impressive leap, finishing a full 10 seconds faster than in their first heat — helped, perhaps, by a spontaneous paddle-splash water fight that broke out just before the start!
By the end of Round Two, the energy was sky-high. Several teams were already asking for extra races — proof that the event had hit the perfect balance of competition and fun.
The Final
The final race featured the day’s fastest and most spirited paddlers. Each team brought their own chant to the start line, with cries of “HEAVE! HO! HEAVE! HO!” echoing across the water. After a thrilling showdown, the final standings were:
🏅 1st Place – Wight Lightning
🥈 2nd Place – Connor Construction
🥉 3rd Place – Airpartner
🎖️ 4th Place – Booze Crewz
The winners were celebrated in a lively presentation and awards ceremony, featuring an inspirational speech from Keith Duffy, reminding everyone of the true purpose behind the fun — raising money to change children’s lives.
Media & Coverage
TV personality Laura Tobin joined the Wight Lightning team alongside her crew from Good Morning Britain. Their coverage captured every exciting moment — from light-hearted interviews and team banter to their heroic final victory. The resulting video highlighted both the joy of the event and the incredible work done by WellChild, helping raise even more awareness and funds for the charity.
When the racing concluded, teams celebrated with post-event entertainment, sharing stories, laughter, and well-earned drinks. It was a perfect finish to a day filled with sunshine, camaraderie, and community spirit.
Summary
The Isle of Wight Festival Dragon Boat Race was an incredible success, blending celebrity participation, team spirit, and creative flair with serious fundraising impact. Race the Dragon were proud to deliver such a memorable event and to help raise vital funds for WellChild, proving once again that teamwork, energy, and a splash of fun can make a real difference.
