Lai ar.. here are my ideas, first all of, since you said you were from SMU, you can get ideas at how CCWC was organised, perhaps that is the first step of improving singapore dragonboat races. i wasnt there, but i bet it was good huh? haha..
also, i know this is includes big money, but providing tentages for all participating teams and not those who paid for tentages. i mean like tents for racing teams, and a small speaker to inform them their race is up next etc.
in the race itself, a platform at the back like what sdbf had is a good idea too... and having small buoys inside each 100m big buoys, so no one will actually try to "ride" the other.
if you need ideas on kayaking and canoeing races, you can look at youtube. see how it is done. sure got videos.
as for officials and staff. i expect more strict officials and hardworking staff that dont skive as to prevent human error, no screaming officials upon loading up.
if you want more ideas.. PM me.. i got some ideas... i just dont want to stir up a heated forum.. HAHA. but seriously pm me if you want more ideas.
