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Dragon Boat Race - a traditional ritual marking the legend of a
Chinese scholar who drowned himself 2,300 years ago to impress his
superior - are held annually in several locations around Hong Kong.
The most popular event on Stanley Main Beach attracted over 140
teams this year from various backgrounds, companies or organizations. |
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In
order to get its Navy into battle-hardened conditions, the
Admiralty conducted a rigorous, six-week training program
that covered everything from Basic Naval Combat to Advanced
Beer Drinking Techniques. By the middle of June the crew was
in its best shape ever and ready to take on the challenge.
The
Navy's first race was scheduled for 0945 hrs on a sweltering
hot Saturday morning, with temperatures rising close to 30
degrees Celsius. It was an important first round battle that
saw the Liechtenstein Princely Navy lined up against a strong
field of 9 other competitors, including the UBS Pacific Blades,
a team that contained a number of defectors form last year's
event. Also lined up were the Baker Boys (of Baker & McKenzie),
but they sank before reaching the starting line! The Princely
Navy was off to an excellent start, which is the most crucial
part of the 300-meter race. Fired on by its drummer (who must,
according to Navy Rules, be female, attractive and light)
the crew powered the boat to an excellent third place, just
a fraction behind UBS.
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excellent first-round result secured the Navy a place in the
Cup Championship (as compared to the lower-rated Plate Championship
of last year). With the second round battled scheduled for
1200 hrs, the Navy retreated onto the Princely Yacht, where
sailors feasted on a fruit, sandwich and Foster's breakfast
while the Admiralty plotted the strategy for the coming round.
In order to advance to the finals, the Navy needed to secure
a top four place in the next race - not impossible but clearly
a tough challenge. |
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And
thus the Princely Navy ventured out again at noon, confident
in its ability to advance to the finals. This time, the start
was not as perfect but stamina and sheer muscle power helped
to carry the Navy to an extremely tight fourth place. Thus,
for the first time ever, the Liechtenstein Princely Navy was
in the Cup Finals! The good news was immediately relayed to
HSH Prince Philip of Liechtenstein, who sent his best wishes
to the entire crew for an all-out-victory in the name of the
Prince and the Country. |
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| Following
a sumptuous lunch of Bratwurst and plenty more Foster's, the
Navy's finest hour came at 1530 hrs. Lined up on row 8 in
a record-breaking field of twelve competitors, the Liechtenstein
Princely Navy was in ready position. On the shot of the gun,
the Navy's well-rehearsed starting procedures of five slow
deep strokes pulled the fully-loaded boat out of the water
and into cruising mode. Adrenalin rushing, the drummer picked
up the speed to a rhythmic and powerful pattern. Lean, pull,
lean, pull... the Navy powered ahead towards the beach at
its fastest speed ever. |
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the competition at the Cup Final level is formidable and the
Navy's incredible efforts only secured a 9th place. Nevertheless,
this is the Navy's best result ever and clearly set our ambitions
for future years. The Admiralty also takes satisfaction from
the fact that the Goldman Gondoliers (of Goldman Sachs) came
in 12th and last! |
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The
Admiralty would like to thank LGT Bank in Liechtenstein for
its generous support, Foster's for the 20 cases of performance-enhanced
fuel supplies and its dedicated and committed crew for their
selfless efforts. We will be back for more next year. |
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