Paddles Up in Cebu: NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta Returns for its Second Year to Elevate Regional Sports Tourism
NUSTAR Resort Cebu has officially announced the highly anticipated return of the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2026. Building on the massive success of its inaugural staging, the premier event will bring the dragon boat community back to the Queen City of the South from September 18 to 20, 2026.
Unveiled during a press conference at the NUSTAR Ballroom on July 29, 2026, the three-day festival aims to unite local and international racing teams, sports enthusiasts, and community partners along the scenic NUSTAR Boardwalk.
NUSTAR DRAGON BOAT REGATTA 2026 QUICK MATRICES
• Race Dates: September 18–20, 2026 (Official Races on Sept 19–20).
• Location: NUSTAR Boardwalk, Cebu City (200m straight course).
• Key Partners: DOT Region VII, Cebu City LGU, PSC, PDBF, and PADS.
• Technical Operations: PDBF (Race Management) & PADS (Adaptive/Participant Handling).
• Registration Deadline: August 15, 2026.
Championship Racing Meets Purpose-Driven Inclusion
Official races will take place on a fast-paced 200-meter straight course along the NUSTAR Boardwalk. Open to both local and international teams regardless of federation affiliation, the competition spans seven diverse racing categories:
- Premier Open Standard Boat DB22
- Premier Mixed Standard Boat DB22
- Premier Women Small Boat DB12
- Premier Open Small Boat Corporate DB12
- Senior-A Open Small Boat DB12
- 24U Open Small Boat DB12
- Para-Dragon 1 Open Small Boat DB12
To ensure technical excellence and true accessibility, NUSTAR is tapping the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) for race management and the Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) to co-lead participant operations.
"Last year’s inaugural regatta was more than a sporting event. It was a celebration of teamwork, diversity, and community," said Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort Cebu. "Through this regatta, we hope to contribute to Cebu’s continued growth as a premier destination for sports tourism."
"By placing adaptive athletes on the same stage as elite competitors, we are proving that true excellence is measured not only by performance, but by the opportunities we create for everyone," added JP Maunes, Founder of PADS.
Elevating Sports Tourism in the Visayas
Beyond the water, the regatta reinforces NUSTAR’s long-term vision of establishing Cebu as an iconic hub for international sports and lifestyle events.
Standard registration fees are set at PHP 2,000 for domestic paddlers and USD 50 for international participants, with discounted rates available for senior citizens, PWDs (PHP 1,600), and students (PHP 1,000). Registered participants can also lock in exclusive accommodation packages at Fili Hotel Cebu and NUSTAR Hotel Cebu for the race weekend.
Interested teams must submit their required race documents and payments by August 15, 2026
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