Optima Returns for Another Amazing Lincoln Dragon Boat Race

Looking Back at Last Year

If you were at the 2025 event, you might remember us… though probably not for our rowing.

Perhaps you spotted our unseasonably thick, grey shirts, or maybe you heard our drummer Hayley, who was enthusiastic, committed and rhythmically unpredictable, guiding us in confidence straight to the back of the line. You may also recall the Viking helmets (and mustaches!), which, despite having no aerodynamic benefit, we wore proudly.

Whatever you recall, we’re back again. This year, we’re hoping to create memories that involve slightly more coordination and slightly fewer wardrobe regrets, because at Optima we are nothing if not dedicated.

.

Meet the 2026 Crew

The crew brings together a brilliant mix of web designers, graphic designers and digital marketers who are ready to take on the Brayford Wharf with enthusiasm and questionable technique. We have even added two new interns to the team, who are discovering that Optima life includes more surprises than expected.

Our team name this year is “Josh still can’t swim” – a continuation of last year’s name “Josh can’t swim”… chosen despite the fact Josh didn’t actually take part. In true Optima tradition, he still isn’t taking part this year either. He has officially pulled out due to moving house, leaving us with the small matter of deciding who will be the lucky person to take on the role of the drummer this year.

We asked a few team members how they are feeling about race day:

• Ben says “I think we will win this year. We have done zero training, but who needs that anyways.” 
• Tom reflects on last year with “I was sat behind Simon. It was a privilege… but I did end up soaked”
• Gabi admits “I do not remember seeing dragon boat racing in the job description; maybe I didn’t read the small print”

Preparations for the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival

This year we are arriving fully prepared with new T shirts and a brand-new gazebo. If enthusiasm alone powered boats, we would already be halfway to the finish line. The Dragon Boat Race is always a fantastic day for Lincoln businesses. It brings friendly rivalry, community spirit and the kind of memories that get retold for years. Some of those memories we cherish. Some we hope to upstage this Saturday the 11th of July.

Why We Love Taking Part

For us, the race is more than a day out. It’s a chance to step away from screens, celebrate teamwork and show the lighter side of studio life. It’s also a rare opportunity to see colleagues in Viking helmets, which is always a bonus.

The event brings together businesses from across the region, each adding their own personality to the day. Some teams arrive with precision‑engineered rowing strategies. Others arrive with costumes, chants and a level of confidence that may or may not be justified. We fall somewhere in the middle, enthusiastic, committed and slightly unpredictable.

See You on the Brayford

The racing starts at 11.30am if you want to come along and support this event…We’ll be out on the water giving it everything, rhythm, teamwork, Viking helmets and all. Whether we glide gracefully or wobble enthusiastically, we’re ready for another unforgettable Dragon Boat Race.

Look out for an update after race day. We have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. 

As promised, here is our Dragon Boat Race update, and you’ll be glad to know we made the Optima team proud this year!

After a slightly chaotic opening round (tradition is tradition), the crew quickly found its rhythm. A few strategic adjustments, some determined paddling and perhaps a touch of Brayford magic helped us shave a full 10 seconds off our first race time. We wrapped up with a speedy 68 second run, beating all our 2025 times… even if it felt like we were rowing for much longer.

This brilliant improvement landed us in 8th place, climbing six spots from last year and putting us just shy of the semi final. Close enough to celebrate, far enough to keep us humble.

Spirits are sky high, and we’re already talking about the 2027 event, planning may or may not have begun before we’d even dried off.