Masterpiece Dragon Boat Team Qatar: Paddling with Purpose and Passion

New York City - Formed in June 2016, Masterpiece Dragon Boat Team Qatar began as a small but determined group of 11 paddlers, led by founding coach Gerald Monzon. From the very beginning, the team set its sights on becoming a competitive force in both local and international dragon boat racing. Their vision was clear: to build a team grounded in discipline, resilience, and unity—qualities that remain at the heart of Masterpiece to this day.

Now a proud member of the Qatar Dragon Boat Alliance (QDBA), Masterpiece continues to grow in strength, skill, and camaraderie. The team is a vibrant presence in the local paddling community, not just for its athletic achievements, but for fostering a culture of support, inclusivity, and teamwork. Their motto is simple yet powerful: a paddler is not born—they are made. Earning a seat in the boat requires not just strength and speed, but consistency, dedication, and a willingness to grow with the team.

Training is central to the team’s success. Members commit to regular sessions every Friday at Katara Beach, along with scheduled land, boat, and pool training programs designed by the coaching staff. The team believes that discipline and hard work in training translate directly to success on the water.

Masterpiece’s competitive journey began to bear fruit with its first major win at the Qatar Dragon Boat Festival in March 2017, where the team clinched gold in the Standard Premier Open category and silver in the Mixed division. Since then, they have steadily built an impressive portfolio of victories. Among their proudest moments was sweeping all categories for a historic grand slam win at the QNB Dragon Boat Festival in January 2020 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha.

On the international stage, Masterpiece made headlines in October 2023 when it was named Overall Champion at the 2nd EDBF Euro Cup and International Regatta in Limassol, Cyprus. That win firmly established the team as a formidable contender not just within Qatar, but in the global paddling scene.

Looking ahead, Head Coach Carlo Alcolea is leading preparations for the Dragon Boat Regatta Qatar (DBRQ) Leg 2 in October and Leg 3 in December 2025. These upcoming races are especially significant, as they will feature Qatar’s first-ever international dragon boat competition, welcoming teams from across the globe.

Team President Reinier Escarlan is also focused on the team’s ambitious goal of competing at the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival in the Philippines in April 2026—a homecoming of sorts for many of its Filipino members.

For team member Yenyen Irinco Amigo, being part of Masterpiece provides more than just athletic fulfillment. “Being away from home is never easy,” she shares, “but this team is like family. The friendship, the support—it makes life here not just bearable, but joyful. The fitness is just a bonus.”

As Masterpiece continues to paddle forward, their story stands as a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and shared dreams on and off the water.