CRASH celebrates 25 Years of the Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge

On Thursday 22nd May, the construction industry came together at London’s Surrey Docks to celebrate an incredible milestone – the 25th anniversary of the Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge, held in proud partnership with Building Magazine and organised by NewWave Events.

With spirits high, 39 teams from across the sector hit the water for a thrilling, fun-filled day of rowing and fundraising in support of CRASH’s vital work with homelessness charities and hospices.

This year’s silver anniversary was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the construction industry unites for good. With every splash of the oars, teams raised vital donations to help CRASH continue delivering practical support and professional expertise to create place that care for people at their most vulnerable. An incredible £26,305 was raised for our work with homelessness charities and hospices – a total that will leave a lasting legacy.

And the Winners Are…

🏆 Dragon Boat Champions
1st: OAR-izon – Horizon Construction (London) – 64.08
2nd: Fulkers Bailey Russell – 64.62
3rd: Major Deck – CBRE – 65.26
4th: Dirty Oars – Horizon Construction (East Anglia) – 65.93

🚣 Mixed Crew Champions
1st: Don’t Go Breaking Meinhardt – Meinhardt UK Ltd
2nd: Finding Neilcott – Neilcott Construction Ltd
3rd: Finding Neilcott II – Neilcott Construction Ltd

🥂 Charity Champions
Neilcott Construction once again took home the Charity Trophy, raising over £9,880 in sponsorship alone. They also won a CRASH Magnum of Champagne in recognition of their incredible fundraising. We are truly grateful for Neilcott Construction’s unwavering support and generosity. Their dedication makes a real difference to the lives of people when they are at their most vulnerable. Thank you, Neilcott, for going above and beyond once again!

Special mentions go to AIS, CBRE, and The Workplace Technology Group for their exceptional fundraising contributions.

🏅 Highest Placed Platinum Crew
The Workplace Technology Group – CBRE
Winners of the CRASH Magnum of Champagne

🎭 Best Dressed Crew
Jackson Civil Engineering – “The JCE Juggernaut”
This creative crew wowed the crowds in grass skirts and cone heads, earning them the title of Best Dressed and a CRASH Magnum of Champagne!

More Than Just a Race

Beyond the competition, the event featured fantastic raffle prizes, themed outfits, and a vibrant atmosphere that made the 25th year one to remember. CRASH extends special thanks to volunteers Ash Sood, Klara Nagy, Jaynish Patel and Charlie Bayliss from Corporate Patron Beale & Co, who not only helped sell raffle tickets throughout the day but also jumped into the action by getting in some of the boats themselves!

Thank you also to our generous raffle sponsors: Corporate Patrons AECOM, Dulux Decorator Centre, Galliford Try, London Building Control, and Supporter TRIbuild Solutions.