Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta

The regatta traces back to a race held in 1956 to mark the centenary of George Town's municipality, twenty years before Hong Kong's first international race (1976). The true first international edition took place on 8 July 1979 with 66 teams from Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Long held at Gurney Drive and later at the Teluk Bahang Dam, the regatta moved to Straits Quay Retail Marina in 2024 for its 45th edition, with E&O Berhad (the developer of Straits Quay) becoming venue sponsor and event partner. The 2025 edition (28 to 30 November) drew over 1,600 participants and 54 teams from more than eleven countries, including a new para-athlete category. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 27 to 29 November, organized by the PETACE committee (Penang Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy), again at Straits Quay Retail Marina. Source: penangdragonboat.gov.my, cm.penang.gov.my, Bernama, Malay Mail.

Editions