been to all three...Stanley is a huge party, on the street just back from the beach and the beach itself...so packed you have to walk in the water to get anywhere..get on a party junk to watch if possible (lots of sponsored junks)...Shatin is very local, hoards of people watching from both sides of the river, not much 'atmosphere' really, but prolly the best pure races (watch for the Fire Dept. and Police Dept boats...very fast)...DB is more laid back family style, yes, a carnival in the plaza, nice views from the restos beside the beach, not quite top level racing (many local corp. teams like CLP, Jardine, ins cos) and paddling teams from around HK