The next National League event coincides with Paddle for the Planet, a world wide movement of concern for our oceans and marine conservation. As well as competing for points all those racing at Caldecotte on June 1st will be taking part in a Global Paddle in all time zones to raise awareness of the impact we are having on the oceans.

See the promotional poster and letter to event coordinators for more information about the event and how you can make a difference.

The training is done, it's time to race. Amathus will entertain 14 crews on Sunday 5th May from 10am for the first National League event of 2013. 500s, there and backs around the buoy and tying ourselves in a knot over 2km will be a serious test to kick things off.

The address is Liverpool Water Sports Centre, Mariners Wharf, Queens Dock L3 4DG. The main overflow parking is available outside the gates of the Marina at the end of Mariners Wharf, drive on past the Water Sports Centre and circle left for a few hundred metres. The cafe at the Water Sports Centre will be open throughout the race day for hot and cold drinks, light lunches and snacks. Other shops are at least 5 minutes walk away.

See the program (37 KB) for what, where and who.

Tim Smith will be running a Basic Helm Course at Bray Lake on Saturday 13th April - lucky for some. For those who are based a long way from London, and have enough for a course in your area, Tim is happy to adjust the costs to come to you.

See the flier (281 KB)

Our sport has sadly lost two real characters to cancer in the past few weeks. Helen Cleaver lost her long battle with the disease after achieving goal after goal while coping with endless complications. In 2012 Helen carried the Olympic Torch and led the Worcester Busters in the Jubilee Pageant in a memorable year, Helen's year. Helen was laid to rest at the church where she was married and given a guard of honour by dozens of dragon boat sport friends. She will be remembered for her beaming smile, boundless enthusiasm for the sport and everything she was involved in and as one of the most inspirational, courageous and positive people any of us will meet.

There is more sad news this week following the loss of Gordon Bethell on Saturday morning 2nd February after a short illness with cancer. Gordon was the best friend of Associate Member Merck Hauck and a long-time supporter of both Dragon Boat Racing and Gable Events. Gordon was well known and liked by all those who were lucky enough to know him through his involvement with Gable Events over the years and he will be sorely missed. Merck said 'our dragon boat events will never be the same again'.

Merck has asked that if you have your own personal message or anecdote please email it to Gable Events so that it can be included in a card.

It is now time for all members to renew your BDA Membership for 2013 if you haven't done so already. The fees for 2013 are the same as last year i.e. Adult Member £30.00 and U18 Member £20.00. An Application Form can be found under Individual Member off the home page.

If you have access to on-line banking you can use that to pay but you must send a completed Application Form to the BDA Secretary, either by email or by post.

The BDA Bank details are shown on the Application Form.

Secklow Hundred have confirmed that the Caldecotte event will actually take place on Saturday 1st June. Don't be late to the start line by 24 hours!

Visit http://usdbf.org/events for an alternative view of 'what's on where'.

Seven National League events are planned for the 2013 season with 5 events counting for points in the 500m and other race distance categories for Standard and Premier League crews. Register your crew now to be included in the new league. The full calendar of events can be found by following [National League and Cup] on the main menu.

Event Organisers have been asked to declare the alternate race distance and challenge that their event will support by the end of February.