Dragonboat Race Day 2026
A New Waterfront, The Same Powerful Mission
story by CHRISTINE JONES photos courtesy of DRAGONBOAT BEAUFORT
For the past twelve years, DragonBoat Beaufort’s annual Dragonboat Race Day filled Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park with colorful teams of paddlers in dragon boats, the rhythmic beats of drums keeping time, and the enthusiastic cheers of spectators. This year, however, due to temporary closures of key areas in the park, Race Day is moving. And we could not be more excited!
On Saturday, June 27th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., DragonBoat Beaufort’s 13th Annual Race Day will take place along the waterfront in Port Royal.
From Mayor Kevin Phillips, to Shellring Ale Works and Managing Partner Nick Borreggine, to the team at Fishcamp on 11th Street providing dock access, to Safe Harbor Port Royal offering space for team tents and parking — the Port Royal community’s welcome is nothing short of extraordinary. Local businesses and residents alike are stepping forward, eager to help with this exciting event and ensure its continued success.
Who Is DragonBoat Beaufort?
DragonBoat Beaufort is both a well-respected charitable organization and a dragon boat racing team composed of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Most days, you’ll find us not on the water but deeply involved in our communities.
We are a Master-in-Equity Judge, a victim advocate for the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, a STEM teacher, and math tutor in Beaufort County schools. We join local civic groups and serve in such organizations as Sea Island Rotary, HaberCats, Walk for Water, Lady’s Island Garden Club, the Outside Foundation of Hilton Head, Second Helpings, and more.
We volunteer in our churches and temples. Our Outreach Coordinator works alongside hospital Financial Navigators to vet and refer cancer patients in need. Three medical clinicians regularly fill shifts at the Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic. Others include a knitter crafting “Knitted Knockers” for breast cancer patients, a theatrical set designer for CFA/USCB productions, a jewelry designer donating all profits to DBB, and a bagpiper sharing his time and talent during parade season.
In essence, we are simply neighbors serving neighbors.
The organization is also a place of healing and connection. Dragon boat paddling is open to all, especially those recovering from cancer. For many survivors, dragon boating becomes an important part of their recovery journey – rebuilding strength, restoring confidence, and rediscovering joy on the water. It provides a safe space for the shared experience of “leaving cancer on the dock” and fosters a supportive community that extends well beyond Race Day.
Why We Race
Race Day is much more than a one-day competition. It is one extraordinary day when we focus our collective energies to fund DragonBoat Beaufort’s Cancer Outreach Program, which provides direct grants to cancer patients who live, work, or receive treatment in Beaufort County. The money raised stays right here in our community, helping our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
In 2025 alone, DragonBoat Beaufort awarded 311 grants to 98 local cancer patients, totaling $81,755 — our largest year ever. Over the past 13 years, we have awarded $464,858 in grants to local cancer patients.
Every paddle stroke supports someone fighting one of life’s toughest battles.
Join Us in Port Royal
Dragonboat Race Day is a full day of competitive racing featuring community and visiting teams, medals and awards, cheering sections, and waterfront fun. It’s an exciting spectacle — colorful boats, synchronized paddling, beating drums, and enthusiastic crowds.
After the final race, the celebration continues with an after-party at Shellring Ale Works.
Best of all? It’s a free event. New location. Same mission. Bigger impact than ever!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27th and join us at the Port Royal waterfront near Fishcamp on 11th Street. Come cheer. Come celebrate. Come support a cause that directly benefits local families.
We hope to see you then, but in the meantime, if you see a gentleman out walking, sporting a very bright PINK T-shirt that says “HONK” … yes, do it! He’s one of us and donates a dollar to DragonBoat Beaufort for every person who does just that!
