Get Out to the World Cup of Dragon Boat Racing with HART!

*Juliette Lynch St. Pete Times photo

An international event is taking place this week on Tampa's waters, and you might not even be aware of it. The World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are taking place this weekend in Seedon Channel between Harbour Island and Davis Islands.

Twenty-six teams from around the world are competing in the event which is similar to the World Cup of Dragon Boat racing.

Dragon Boats are steeped in 2,000 years of history, which originate from China. Today, the decorative boats are reminders of the sport's history. The event is held every two years around the world and it's been 10 years since the event was last held in the U.S. (Philadelphia). The next Championships will be held in Tehran in 2013, but until then, the world of Dragon Boat racing belongs to Tampa. The best spots to catch the races are the Tampa Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Park, and Jackson's Bistro.

HART is making it easier to get downtown to see the races with these quick and easy options:

Temple Terrace to Downtown Tampa - Route 6
From 56th Street & Busch Boulevard to Marion Transit Center 30-minute frequency Saturdays/Sundays

• Saturday (Southbound to Downtown): First trip leaves 56th Street & Busch Boulevard at 6:51 a.m.
• Saturday (Northbound to Temple Terrace): Last trip leaves Marion Transit Center at 8:45 p.m.
• Sunday (Southbound to Downtown): First trip leaves from 56th Street & Busch Boulevard at 7:21 a.m.
• Sunday Schedule: (Northbound to Temple Terrace) Last trip leaves at 8:45 p.m.

Brandon to Downtown Tampa – Route 8
From Westfield Brandon Mall to Marion Transit Center
60-minute frequency Saturdays/Sundays

• Saturday (Westbound to Downtown): First trip leaves Westfield Brandon Mall at 6:40 a.m.
• Saturday (Eastbound to Brandon): Last trip leaves Marion Transit Center at 8:30 p.m.
• Sunday (Westbound to Downtown): First trip leaves Westfield Brandon Mall at 6:25 a.m.
• Sunday (Eastbound to Brandon): Last trip leaves Marion Transit Center at 7:15 p.m.

South Tampa to Downtown Tampa – Route 19
From Britton Plaza to Marion Transit Center
60-minute frequency Saturdays/Sundays

• Saturday/Sunday (Northbound to Downtown): First trip leaves Britton Plaza at 7:55 a.m.
• Saturday/Sunday (Southbound to South Tampa): Last trip leaves Marion Transit Center at 8:35 p.m.

Westchase to Downtown Tampa – Route 30
From Northwest Transfer Center off of Waters & Sheldon to Marion Transit Center
30-minute frequency Saturdays/Sundays

• Saturday/Sunday (Eastbound to Downtown): First trip leaves Northwest Transfer Center at 7:05 a.m.
• Saturday/Sunday (Westbound to Westchase): Last trip leaves Marion Transit Center at 9:35 p.m.

A HART one-day unlimited ride pass is only $3.75! HART unlimited ride passes are also good on the TECO Line Streetcar system.

The event is free of charge, and with these low-cost, convenient options, HART is making it easier to get to the races.