EARLY YEARS: An action photo showing the late Dan Strain in the stroke position (front right) for the Nothin’ Dragon Masters (Photo: Laura Leyshon)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Jan. 21, 2019) — The second annual Inlet Spring Regatta will take place at Rocky Point Park, in Port Moody, B.C. on Saturday, April 27 attracting dragon boaters from around the region.

The inaugural event in 2018 was a glowing success with rave reviews coming in from dragon boaters, fans, vendors and sponsors. The Inlet Spring Regatta is now a prominent fixture opening the 2019 Dragon Boat Season.

Hosted by the Dogwood Nothin’ Dragon Masters, a 50 plus team based in Coquitlam, the 2019 event has already reached a capacity of 40 teams. Teams can still be wait-listed here.

“We’re moving the event to a Saturday this year in hope to assist those teams that are traveling,” said Nothin’ Dragon president, Brian Kenny. “We want teams to have a great day on the water, and then relax and enjoy an evening in our area, knowing they have Sunday to recoup or travel before the work week.”

G2G Race Management will return to handle the racing component of the event and due to the demand the event expanded to 40 teams instead of 36 in the inaugural year. Teams compete in 200 meter races in twenty-person BUK boats in mixed and women’s categories. Each team will be guaranteed four races and all those finishing in first, second and third place in ten divisions will receive a one-of-a-kind wooden medal.

Teams from New Westminster, Abbotsford, Hope, Chilliwack, Surrey, North Vancouver, Vancouver, New Westminster, Langley, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Cultus Lake, and Richmond have registered.

K+S Potash Canada is returning as an event sponsor, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. The event attracts close to a thousand paddlers and fans. “K+S Potash Canada is thrilled to return as the title sponsor of the 2nd annual Inlet Spring Regatta in beautiful Port Moody,” said Sydney Gossard, Communications Specialist at K+S Potash Canada. “Since breaking ground on our potash handling and storage facility at Pacific Coast Terminals in 2015, we have been proud to be involved in this vibrant community. We look forward to seeing everyone come together for what we know will be another fun and successful event!”

The late Dan Strain, Nothin’ Dragon founding member and beloved captain.

The 2019 event is being dedicated to Dan Strain, team captain of the Nothin’ Dragon Masters, who passed away in 2018. Dan was a founding member and was with the team for 20 years.

“We want to honour a man that gave so much to our team,” said assistant captain Randy Wilson. “Dan wasn’t just a captain, he was a teacher, a leader, and a teammate; and he taught us how to become a better team. Our memories of Dan are those of character, wisdom, integrity, and immeasurable courage.”

For more information on the event go to www.inletspringregatta.com.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
If you or your company is looking to support our diverse event that encourages water sports, camaraderie, health and fitness to paddlers ranging in age from teenagers to 50+, sponsorship opportunities are available! Email inletspringregatta@gmail.com

About the venue: Known as the City of the Arts, Port Moody is located in Metro Vancouver at the east end of Burrard Inlet and is bordered by Coquitlam on the east and south, and Burnaby on the west. The regatta venue, Rocky Point Park is known for its beautiful amenities, with The Boathouse Restaurant, Pajos Fish and Chips. and Rocky Point Ice Cream all within one to five minutes walking distance. The area is well-known for its four local breweries, also within short walking distance from the venue.

NOTHIN’ DRAGON MASTERS: Hosts of the Inlet Spring Regatta at the inaugural event to commemorate the team’s 20th anniversary. (Photo: Joep Olthuis)

About the Nothin' Dragon Masters: The Nothin' Dragon Masters are a 50 + team based in Coquitlam, B.C., and operate under the Dogwood Seniors Society. The team has approximately 70 members and mentors challenged youth through their Kateslem Kids Program as well as supports the Riverside Secondary dragon boat team. More information at nothindragon.ca.

Media Contact:
Brian Kenny
604-817-5961
inletspringregatta@gmail.com