Shark sightings and predictions of thundery showers that threatened to spoil yesterday's dragon boat races failed to blight the annual festivities. 'We're having a blast as always. There isn't any problem with the sharks. They are probably being scared off by the drums and shouts,' said James Leung, organiser of the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships. The only sharks to be seen were plastic inflatables that bobbed among those enjoying the spectacle under a hot sun in temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius. Crowds with multicoloured hats and umbrellas packed the beaches and shorelines at venues including Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Tuen Mun and Tai Po. But the busiest water in town was at Stanley, where a record 208 teams with 4,000 people competed from 8am to 6pm. Police had received three reports since Friday of suspected sharks at Repulse Bay, Port Shelter and Chung Hom Kok. Mr Leung said nets and a fleet of boats were employed to fend off unwanted predators but no sharks were seen. While fit young racers set the fastest times, 173 paddlers aged over 60 stole the show at Sha Tin, competing for the fourth annual Elderly Cup. A member of the winning team, Tang Siu-leung, 76, beamed as he displayed his gold medal and cup. 'I'm so happy that we won the race. It showed that elderly can also do strenuous exercise,' he said. Lo Kwong-yin, 80, the oldest competitor this year, said he had fun even though his team came last among the eight teams that entered. 'I'm happy even that we've lost, we just wanted to participate,' he said. Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan made whirlwind stops at Sha Tin and Tuen Mun respectively. Other than the noisy crews and crowds, the pair was also greeted outside the venues by groups of protesters racing to voice their discontent. Yesterday's hot weather caused only a few minor heatstroke cases in the city. More hot weather is predicted for the rest of the week.