A team from our Liverpool and Manchester offices swapped property for paddles last week and rowed to victory again along the Mersey to win the 12th annual Liverpool Waters Dragon Boat race at Princes Dock.
The Liverpool Waters Dragon Boat Race 2024, held at Princes Dock and organised by Peel Waters, was a highly anticipated event that saw more than 22 teams of 13 race 200m. We joined other regional businesses including Avison Young, CBRE, Savills, and Colliers who all came together for a day of friendly competition and charitable giving.
The team of dragon boat rowers helped to raise over £35,000 in support of Claire House Children’s Hospice, which helps children in and around Liverpool who are seriously or terminally ill live as good a life as they can while providing vital emotional support to their families. Since the race’s return in 2022, over £105,000 has been raised through the event for the charity, which offers specialist nursing care, end-of-life support, and emotional care for children and families.
The day was full of energy and excitement as teams competed across three heats. Our team, led by Graduate Surveyor Erica Saxon, featured Graduate Surveyors Adam Fleming and Sam Guest, all from our Liverpool office, setting the pace at the front. Surveyor Marcus Baumber and Graduate Building Surveyor Rio Farquharson from our Manchester office, and Graduate Surveyor Daniel Doherty from our Liverpool office anchored the middle. After posting one of the fastest times, Fisher German advanced to the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, our team surged ahead of the competition, securing a spot in the final. The final was a three-way thrilling showdown where Fisher German faced off against Ener-Vate, Vital Energi Utilities Limited, and Krol Corlett Group. In an exhilarating finish, Fisher German and If We Ran the Zoo were declared joint winners, marking Fisher German’s second consecutive year claiming the gold medal. Ener-Vate and Vital Energi Utilities were runners-up, and Krol Corlett Group took third place.
Graduate Surveyor Erica Saxon said: “The Liverpool Waters Dragon Boat Race is always a fantastic event, and we were delighted to join other businesses in Liverpool for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. We gave it our all and it was a testament to the team’s efforts that we were able to come away with the trophy again this year.
“And while competing was a lot of fun, this event is all about raising funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice, which provides amazing pastoral care for young children and their families in Liverpool and the Wirral. We were so pleased to be part of such a wonderful event and we were delighted to have been able to contribute towards the Hospice’s much-needed funding. We’d also like to thank Peel for once again putting on such a brilliant event. We’re looking forward to defending our title next year!”
Surveyor Marcus Baumber added: “It was an incredible experience to be part of such a dedicated and enthusiastic team. The energy and camaraderie were palpable, and it was fantastic to see everyone come together for such a worthy cause. We’re already excited about next year’s race and the chance to make it three in a row!”
Our team is already looking forward to next year, aiming for a historic three-peat victory in 2025!
