Regatta cancelled over weather fears

Popular community event the Broome Dragon Boat Regatta has been cancelled this weekend due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Rotary Club of Broome president Richard Baker said organisers decided to postpone the event due to strong winds and tidal conditions forecast for tomorrow.

“Due to the weather, and acting on advice from Broome Volunteer Sea Rescue and the Broome Surf Life Saving Club, we’ve had to postpone the event to a later date,” Mr Baker said.

“Safety is our main factor.”

Mr Baker said in the 15-year history of the Rotary running the event, this was the second time the competition would be cancelled.

“It’s only ever been cancelled once before, three or four years ago,” he said.

“It’s always tide and wind dependent.”

The colourful race is held in September every year to coincide with the Shinju Matsuri Festival.

Mr Baker said although it was a big decision to cancel, participant safety was paramount.

He thanked participants, sponsors and volunteers for their support and involvement and said the Saturday event would hopefully be rescheduled later this year.