Radcliffe Crew Members May Go to Hong Kong for Famed Dragon Boat Race

Seeking a dramatic change of scenery from the murky Charles, members of the Radcliffe crew teams may be heading to Hong Kong next June to participate in a race world's apart from anything they're used to.

For the first time every members of the women's lightweight, heavyweight and novice crews have been invited to participate in that city's traditional Dragon Boat Race. All they need, said Lightweight Coach K.C. Dietz, is airfare for 30 rowers.

Unlike crew shells, the Dragon Boats take about 25 rowers, who rely on upper-body strength rather than their legs for rowing power. The boats also have a tendency to sink.

The Hong Kong Tourist Association, which will foot the bill for the women's five day's food and lodging, last year invited the men's lightweights. But the men this year decided to stay home and give the women an chance to participate in the event, almost all of whose 23 events are for men only.

Just For Fun

Although teams from the Orient have traditionally considered the Dragon Race a serious one, Radcliffe crew members--who have no experience with Far Eastern rowing--say they'll take it more lightly. "It's an entirely different kind of boat which is one reason why it is more low key," said Lightweight Captain Nina Streeter, a senior. "It's very amusing to watch."

Participating teams will come from all over the world, but the only other United States competitor will be a men's crew from the U.S. Rowine Association.

Team members say they'll do some fundraising this spring to finance the purchase of gifts for their hosts and other preparations for the trip.

Historical Symbolism

Dietz said Hong Kong's rowers consider the annual race, held on the Mi Lo river, "a reenactment of a moment in history," commemmorating the death of poet and former government minister Chu Yan, who drowned in the river.

After the race the women will take part in a celebration dinner and two days of sightseeing.

Paul D. Natterson, a senior and men's lightweight captain, called last year's trip a great success. "The Hong Kong Tourist Association took incredible care of us," he said of the team's elaborate four of the city.