Another "armada" style race in Venice, Italy, with many different boat types in a very relaxed competition.

http://www.worldrowing.com/display/modules/news/dspNews.php?newid=323916&pageid=25

"Expanding from an idea 32 years ago for a non-competitive race, the Vogalonga has grown to showcase rowing’s many forms and fascinations and is a highlight on the Venetian calendar.

The assortment of boats is spectacular. United only by their lack of mechanical power, dragon boats set a monotonous beat, small kayaks look up at traditional gondolas and 14 oared quatordesona’s that display the best of Venetian rowing talent, while yoles of one, four and eight people make up the bulk of the numbers."

Another "Armada" race, in London, England this time. It's just a coincedence that this news story came out when it did as the race is in September.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/health/2006/06/06/hrace03.xml

"Last year, chartered accountant Ian Bowers was in the winning team, his eyecatching 16-man dragon boat overtaking 280 craft to scoop the trophy in a course record of 2 hrs 6 mins - an average of more than 10mph."

I really hope it does not get competitive.
This is my kind of traffic jam.

Well if he was in a dragon boat then either the time, the distance or the calculation of the average speed is wrong lol.

Our national Open team probably only comes close to an average of 16.67km/hour = 10mph for 500 meters or maybe the 200m (15km/h avg = 2 min over 500 meters). No one is doing it for 2000m let alone 2 hours.

Still interesting info on various races going on around the world.

I believe that UK race is down a river, which could explain the time.