$2,500 fees introduced to avoid chaos at Stanley regatta, but questions are raised over funds
For the first time this year, spectator boats will have to pay $2,500 for a parking spot at the Stanley Dragon Boat Regatta, but there are concerns about where these funds and the rest of the money raised from the event are being spent.
Stanley Residents Association chairman Alson Wong Kam-chuen said the boat-parking fee was introduced in response to growing chaos from hordes of freelance shuttle boats that descend on the harbour hoping to make a profit ferrying competitors and spectators.
Funds raised would cover the provision of shuttle boats and crews taking people to and from the shore after complaints from the Marine Department that the melee of previous years was becoming too dangerous.
There are 185 teams scheduled to compete in Wednesday's regatta, with each team paying $9,000 to enter.
The Stanley Residents Association, a non-profit company that organises the event through its subsidiary, the Stanley Dragon Boat Association, claims almost all the funds are used for preparation work and cleaning up after the event.
