DBS Marina Regatta 2016 returns with big and bold new experiences on- and off-water over two weekends of races

The DBS Marina Regatta 2016 will be returning and taking place over two weekends on 28-29 May and 4-5 June. Visitors can look forward to expect big and bold new experiences on- and off-water. 

This year’s event will mark the debut of Southeast Asia’s tallest inflatable water slide, and Singapore’s only pop-up urban beach will make an even bigger comeback. Other event firsts include the introduction of themed dragon boat races and competitive kayak races. The regatta will also bring together Singapore’s young homegrown talent, featuring up-and-coming artists, musicians, chefs and change-makers across its expansive range of activities.

Singapore and the region’s top dragon boating teams, an estimation of 180 teams and more than 3,000 athletes from the region will compete against the backdrop of the iconic Marina Bay skyline for Asia’s highest prize of SGD $230,000. The competition is organised in partnership with the Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA). 

DBS Marina Regatta for the first time will introduce three “theme race” categories. The categories are:

Singapore’s Finest Paddle-off! – For current or past national athletes

Society Gladiators – For participants involved in Singapore-based Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Prime Warriors – For participants above 45 years old

DBS Marina Regatta 2016 will bring together a collective of homegrown talent at the artisan market. The stores will be housed in refitted shipping containers that double as viewing decks by night. Visitors can look forward to shop at the stores that will offer unique, handmade pieces by Singaporean artists and craftspeople situated along the beach.  

Feeling hungry? Indulge in innovative fusion meals by young local chefs, with dishes such as salted egg yolk fries and chilli crab ‘man tous’ at the food village.

In the evenings, enjoy a breezy al-fresco setting at the viewing decks for the regatta’s sunset beach concerts. Featuring a lineup of Singapore’s up-and-coming musicians, the regatta will provide the perfect spot for unwinding with friends and families.

“Paddle for Good”, which simulates a dragon boat race, but on land, with the use of indoor ergometer machines is back by popular demand. This year, “Paddle for Good” will invite people to attempt the ergometers while challenging the use of their physical abilities so they can experience first-hand what athletes with disability face. For those who successfully complete the challenge, DBS will make a donation to a VWO that supports persons with disabilities. The initiative raised more than SGD 150,000 for its beneficiaries last year. 

As part of DBS’ continued efforts to champion the development of the social entrepreneurship sector to build a socially-conscious society, a selection of social enterprises under “Asia for Good” (www.asiaforgood.com) by DBS Foundation will feature in the artisan market and food village. This is a first-of-its-kind lifestyle portal that raises the profile of social enterprises in the region with the belief that consumers have the power to create positive change.

Race Details

To encourage more teams to join the DBS Marina Regatta this year, prize money will be split between the 200m and 500m races instead of combining the race results for both distances as was done in previous years. Information as follows:

All the above images credited to DBS Bank Singapore. For more information, please visit www.dbsmarinaregatta.com; or follow on its Instagram (@dbsmarinaregatta) and on its Facebook at go.dbs.com/dbsmr2016.