The Liechtenstein Princely Navy started the 2004 dragonboat racing season in fine form. Following an increased training schedule with saw practice commence in freezing conditions in February, the improvements in the Navy's performance became obvious in the early rounds of this invitational event.

As its title suggests, the Short Course Race is an invitational event whereby only top teams are invited to participate. Competing only in its fifth season, our proud Navy is already part of such a distinguished group, which includes such heavy weights as the Bondi Diggers, the Royal X-Men, the Lamma Happy Dragons and a number of fierce local teams, such as the Stanley Merchants (a heavily tattooed group of triad look-a-likes!)

The Short Course Race is held on the side of Stanley Plaza, which with Murray House as a backdrop and the row of restaurants in front makes it an excellent location for spectators and competitors alike (unlike Stanley Main Beach, it must be said, which looks messier every year). Combined with excellent weather conditions on the day, it promised to be an excellent event all around.

We established our naval base for the day at "Beaches" restaurant, which over the years has become the Navy's second home thanks to the restaurants excellent free pizza offer with every pitcher of Foster's fuel (a very potent combination!). The Admiralty would at this point also like to extend its thanks to the restaurant's friendly staff and owners who have always been extremely supportive of the Navy's cause.

Following the ceremonial raising of the Liechtenstein national flag at "Beaches", all crew were assembled at our base at 0900hrs for a hearty power breakfast of porridge, eggs, bacon, sausages, coffee and Foster's (Admiralty's Censorship Board: not true, it was only coffee and orange juice). The occasion was also used for a last minute Strategy Review Meeting, whereby the all important and highly confidential starting sequence for the Navy was rehearsed and fine-tuned for the umpteenth time.

All crew were issued the 2004 Naval Uniform, a high tech lycra garment specifically tailored to the Navy's combat needs by Neil Pryde, together with the 2004 regulation black combat Speedo shorts, red Bolle eye protection and standard LGT cap.

The Navy's first competitive outing of the season was Race 2 scheduled for 1012hrs against four rival teams, including arch enemies HSBC, who tried to field a boat with twenty paddlers instead of the maximum 18, which they blamed on an internal accounting error. The Navy executed an almost flawless start and very powerful cruising speed, which meant a tight third place finish behind some formidable local competition (but way ahead of HSBC, to the Navy's great delight).

According to the race format of the short course race, the first to the last finishes will gain 5 to 1 points accordingly during the heats. Having gained its first 3 points, the Navy promptly celebrated with a round of Foster's.

Race 12 at 1212hrs saw the Navy lined up in lane 2 against the Royal X-Men and Wing Ching, two top teams that would eventually advance to the Silver Cup Final. Again, the Navy's performance was excellent, with a powerful start and superb speed throughout. It turned out to be the Navy's fastest time of the day, but in an indication of the tough competition of the event it was still only good enough for another tight third place finish.

Satisfied with the team's performance, speed and rhythm, the Navy proceeded to another round of Foster's.

The last of the heat races was race 19 at 1336hrs against the Lamma Dragons and Tai Tam Tiger's. The Admiralty's clear goal was to beat the Tiger's who had been practicing alongside the Navy since February. Clearly, the Navy's training program had been more effective as the Liechtenstein boat sped to an impressive second place behind the Lamma Dragons, thus garnering another 4 points.

With 10 points in total by lunchtime, the Liechtenstein Princely Navy was the 10th best team in the competition of 22 men's team - a highly satisfying result given the formidable opposition. Even more satisfying was the fact that both HSBC teams (creatively named HSBC A and B) and the Tai Tam Tiger's.

The Navy was thus qualified for the Men's Gold Plate Final, the most crucial - yet most disappointing - race of the day. Whether it was because of excessive Foster's fuel intake or faltering concentration and stamina, the Admiralty's strategy fell apart on all fronts. Most importantly and detrimental to the outcome of the race, the start was horrific -possibly due to a lack of concentration across the boat. Once fallen behind, there was no catching up as the rhythm failed to materialize throughout the 200-meter racecourse. Thus, the Navy came in fifth in a field of competitors which it could easily have beaten had it shown the performance of the early races.

However, it is early days in the season and the Navy has clearly progress from last year. The Admiralty and crew have learned important lessons from the day and will apply these to good use in future races. The Navy 2004 is clearly a force to be reckoned with.

The Navy's enduring spirit was not much tempered despite the disappointing final, as can be attested from the wild celebrations by Officers and Crew during the price giving ceremony.

Long Live Liechtenstein!