Fremantle Swan Dragon Boat Club
費曼爾圖天鵝龍舟俱樂部
Our Story
Origins
In the 1970s, Australia’s highly developed surf lifesaving systems served as an inspirational model for Patrick Zhu as he shaped Hong Kong's own surf lifesaving training and operational framework. This professional exchange sparked a deep, lasting friendship between Patrick and David Blackley, the President of the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club. The true call to adventure sounded when Patrick invited David, his wife Silvia, and fellow Fremantle members to journey to Hong Kong in June 1981.
Upon arriving, Patrick introduced his Australian friends to the local fishermen communities and unveiled the incredible world of Hong Kong dragon boat culture. The Fremantle visitors witnessed traditional 50-man dragon boats engaging in fierce battles in the waters of the Chai Wan and Causeway Bay typhoon shelters. They were captivated by the awe-inspiring spectacle, observing sacred pre-race rituals and partaking in vibrant festive banquets.
During this profound cultural immersion, David crossed paths with Charles Thirlwell, affectionately known as "Charlie". Revered as the "Father of the Fishermen" for his devotion to maritime communities and the establishment of Fishermen’s Recreation Clubs, Charlie was passionate about elevating dragon boat racing to the international stage. Acting as a visionary mentor, Charlie extended a heartfelt invitation to David, encouraging him to return the following year with an Australian crew to compete.
With inspiration sparked, David knew exactly what to do and declared, "It's time to build a club". Keeping his word, the team transformed their surf lifesaving roots into a new passion, and FSDBC inaugurated its racing history in Hong Kong in 1982. This marked the beginning of many overseas tours and fostered the widespread growth of dragon boat racing in Western Australia.
Competition
Decades later, FSDBC operates as the oldest dragon boat club in Australia. It remains the only club with sister club relationships to Hong Kong's Stanley Fishermen Recreation Club (柴灣漁民娛樂會) and Chai Wan Fishermen Recreation Club (柴灣漁民娛樂會).
The story comes full circle on June 19, 2026.
Marking the 45th anniversary of their first tour, Fremantle crew members returned to Hong Kong to race in 50-seat Dragonboats at the Tuen Mun festival with the Chai Wan club—a privilege rarely given even to seasoned local paddlers. The team then competed at the Conghua Invitational race in Guangzhou province, China, where they became the only international team to win a medal.