This Weekend / Dragon boats: National Championships - Nottingham

The boats are brightly decorated and 40ft long, complete with a curved dragon head. On board are 20 paddlers, a steerer and a drummer to beat the rhythm. This weekend, the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, hosts the finals of the British Dragon Boat Racing Association National Championships for the second time. More than 1,200 competitors and 66 crews will be competing in five classes: open, women, junior, mixed and scratch. Kingston Royals had an outstanding championship last year, winning three titles, including the open, and are back to defend. The winning crew in the open division will be invited to represent Britain at the Hong Kong International Races next year.

How to get there: National Water Sports Centre, Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, is two miles south-east of Nottingham on A52. Spectating is free. Racing starts at 10am tomorrow and Sunday, continuing until 5.30pm.