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This weekend, chase your Dramamine with cool sake, because East will meet West on the waters of Biscayne Bay during the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Unlike the yachts and cigarette boats that usually crowd the area, the boats at this annual fest measure 40 feet long and four feet wide that can seat 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson to yell out naval-worthy commands. Weighing an average of 500 pounds and sporting traditional accouterments such as dragon heads and the obligatory rising sun, these dinghies are built to glide — and fast. Teams can form for the purpose of whooping ass on the high seas or for a good cause, such as Team SOS (Save Our Sisters), SoFla’s first dragon boat team consisting of breast cancer survivors and their supporters. Watch them do it Saturday and Sunday, and while you’re at it, cheer on the paddle-happy teams as they battle it out for bragging rights and cash prizes. More than 25,000 spectators showed up last year, so get to Miami Marine Stadium early to guarantee yourself a spot in the hot groupie section.
Sun., April 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 2009
