591 (AA) FIELD SQUADRON TAKE TO THE LAGAN FOR CHARITY

On a fresh Sunday morning on the 10th September 2017 Sixteen members of 591 (AA) Field Squadron RE took part in a charity ‘dragon boat race’ at cutter Warf, Belfast  for suicide awareness. There were a total of 8 teams from the local community, comprising from PSNI, Henderson and even the Royal Navy Reserves attending.

The competition was broken down into time trials where each time would race down the 200m water stretch twice with the average time for each team calculated. The first four fastest times then went through to the knockout first past the post semi- finals and then on to the dramatic head to head final. The 591 was sitting second after the time trails with only a half a second between them and the PSNI in first place.

In the semi-final 591 went up against the PSNI B- team, with 591 beating the PSNI by 3 seconds meaning 591 when straight back to the start line to compete in the final against the PSNI A-team. The final began with the PSNI exploding from the start line gaining a 5m advantage. The 591 team stayed stronger and dug in deep staying in time with the team mascot the leprechaun at the front of the boat beating the drum. After 100m the PSNI started to get tired which impacted on their rhythm, while the 591 team stayed in tune and pace, with the PSNI advantage shorten to just 1m. In the late stages of the race with just 25m left to go the PSNI had nothing left in the tank and 591 with burning arms and shoulders displaying a determined will, the 591 boat pushed level and then ahead, winning by a dragon heads in the last 10m. The team was exhausted but energetic with excellent and pride with winning the race.

The event was a huge success and very enjoyable with over £1,300 raised for suicide awareness. 591 Sqn RE was presented with the dragon boat 2017 Cup and crowned the 2017 dragon boat champions. The team enjoyed a much earned burger and a nice cold drink after the race, alongside the new 591(AA) Field Squadron RE dragon boat Champion Cup.