Manayunk Dragon Boat Team Weathered the Storm, Christened New Fleet

Children and teens from the took to the water June 29 to try their hand at dragon boating, a sport that Jane Lipton, executive director of the calls "Manayunk's hidden treasure."

The free ride was part of the organization's eye-dotting ceremony for its four new boats. 

The 2,000-year-old eye-dotting tradition is exactly what it sounds like, when people paint the dot of the eye on the dragon boat. The ceremony is said to awaken the sprit of the dragon. 

And a new spirit is exactly what the team needs that destroyed several boats and the dock. 

"It was devastating," Mike Blundetto, head coach of the group said. "We really lost everything."

Even though they're facing a nearly $35,000 deficit because of the flood, Blundetto said they're pushing ahead and looking toward competing in a number of national and international races this season. The first will be held in Toronoto in just a few weeks. 

Although the group is serious about competitions, its also serious about having fun. 

"We have people from 15 to 65-years-old," he said, stressing that interest, rather than experience, is what is needed to join. 

For more information about the team check out www.manayunkdbracing.org.