The boats required heavy machinery to be lifted onto a truck for their journey to Ukraine [BBC]
Four dragon boats, contributed by clubs across England, are en route to Ukraine, where they will support the recovery of soldiers injured in the conflict.
These 40-foot racing vessels have been given to the Odesa Dragons team after their equipment and boathouse were destroyed in a Russian strike on the Black Sea port city in 2023.
The boats are traveling to Ukraine on a truck that also carries donated medical supplies, a generator, and a rowing scull.
Daniel Windsor, from events company Race the Dragon, which donated two of the boats, stated that they would provide Ukrainians with the “chance to get back on the water alongside their friends and colleagues.”
Originating in China, dragon boat racing has grown in popularity worldwide, including in Ukraine, where four teams were based in Odesa.
Eleanor Fitzgerald, a member of the GB Senior Women’s dragon boat racing team, began volunteering with Ukrainian Action in 2025 and has built a bridge between the British dragon boating community and fans in Ukraine.
She noted that the Odesa Dragon Boat Federation had been a “very active club” prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Eleanor Fitzgerald, a volunteer with Ukrainian Action, says the boats will help rebuild a future for Ukraine [BBC]
“Odesa is a huge city, a beautiful city on the Black Sea, and unfortunately, since the war started, things have changed dramatically for them,” she said.
“When you live in a port city, the water is central to everything they do, so being unable to go on the water is devastating.”
Buoyancy aids, paddles, and safety equipment were sent in January, and the four 40-foot boats are now being transported.
“The logistics are the hardest part because the generosity and energy of the people are there, but that energy has also helped with the logistics,” she added.
Two boats were donated by Race the Dragon, while the others came from Pershore Dragon Boat Club in Worcestershire and Thames Dragon Boat Club in London.
They are expected to arrive in Odesa on Wednesday. Plans include using the boats to establish a military veterans’ team in Ukraine.
Fitzgerald said: “This is about building for the future—and that future involves athletes returning from the war, including military veterans, both men and women, who are injured.
“Many are returning as amputees, and some have multiple amputations. There is also post-traumatic stress disorder to address. It’s critically important for them to have a community to belong to.”
In addition to a para-dragon boat team for veterans, the Odesa Dragons also aim to create a youth team.
“Get the youth on the water too, because it’s all part of rebuilding and giving people a chance to do something normal in what is an abnormal environment,” she added.
Dan Windsor, operations director at Race the Dragon, helped load the dragon boats. [BBC]
Dan Windsor, operations director at Race the Dragon, emphasized that it was “important to support the people of Ukraine.”
“What we take for granted—dragon boating with friends and colleagues, going to your local boat club, getting out on the water—is a fantastic activity for fitness and mental health.
“For someone to have that freedom and ability taken away, we felt it was crucial to support this project.”
What are dragon boats?
Dragon boats are long, narrow racing canoes.
They are typically adorned with dragon heads and tails.
A standard crew includes 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a helmsman.
Boats are usually 40 to 42 feet (12 to 12.5 meters) long.
The sport originated in China and is now popular globally.
Dragon boat racing will be a demonstration sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.