Summer is upon us here in Hong Kong and if you are looking to wet your toes in the Hong Kong waters after a long week at the office, why not head to Lamma Island’s Tai Wan To (Power Station) Beach this Sunday for the Laracy & Co Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival 2010. 

Organiser Mark Burns, who sometimes wears his other hat as the Tournament Director of the successful Hong Kong Cricket Sixes (won by South Africa last year) tells us that forty teams, including the athletic Boracay Bumshells team from the Philippines have entered this weekend’s Festival.

“It’s a fantastic line up of teams.” said Race Director Brad Tarr. “With strong teams such as defending champions the Island Paddle Club, plus the likes of the Boracay Bumshells, Stormy Dragons and the Lamma Dragons it’s going to be another really competitive Festival.”

First staged in 2007 this is the fourth annual Festival, also known as the “Lamma 500” due to its international race standard 500m course length. 

“The Lamma 500 is one of the most exciting, colourful and friendly sports events in Hong Kong but with a real competitive edge,” said Mr Damien Laracy, Principal at title sponsors Laracy & Company. “We’re delighted to continue our support for the event. “

The Lamma 500 is one of the most challenging and competitive races on the Hong Kong dragon boat calendar with deep, fast water on a course set against the incredible backdrop of one of the territory’s highest peaks, Mount Stenhouse, and the dramatic industrial landscape of the Hong Kong Electric Power Station. 

Securing its reputation as one of the most challenging races of the season, the Festival also features the only 1,000 metre dragon boat race to be held in Hong Kong. A record number of teams are expected to compete in this extreme race.

The Make A Wish Foundation children’s charity is the Official Charity of the Lamma 500 and will be organizing activities during the event to raise funds for their activities. 

The Laracy & Company Lamma 500 will take place from 9am to 6pm on May 16th 2010 and will be followed by the popular Lamma 500 Beach Party.

Entry for spectators is free and refreshments are available at the beach.

I heard that the coldest beer in Hong Kong can be found at Tai Wan To Beach on Sunday so I’ll be taking the kids to Lamma this weekend.  Hope to see you there!

Here is some footage from last year’s Lamma 500:

(Additional picture from RoyalX Team)