Inlet Spring Regatta ready to launch on April 22
The location. Rocky Point Park, Port Moody, on Burrard Inlet.
All systems go for the inaugural Inlet Spring Regatta which will take place at Rocky Point Park, in Port Moody, B.C. on Sunday, April 22, attracting dragon boaters from around the region. The event is being hosted by the Dogwood Nothin’ Dragon Masters, a 50 plus team based in Coquitlam that trains at Rocky Point. The event coincides with the team's 20th anniversary, as well as Earth Day.
Nothin' Dragon hosted the BC 55 + Games in 2016 and received rave reviews for the site and organization. G2G Race Management ran the water portion and will return for the Inlet Spring Regatta, which promises to be a great warm-up for the 2018 Dragon Boat Season.
The event will consist of 200-meter races in twenty-person BuK boats. Each of the 36 teams will be guaranteed four races and all top three placements in each division will receive a medal. Teams from Langley, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Chilliwack, New Westminster, Burnaby, Port Moody, Squamish, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Fort Langley, Surrey, Vancouver, Mission, Delta, Saltspring Island, West Vancouver, and Port Moody will compete.
"With Earth Day occurring on the same day as our inaugural regatta, it was felt that we should celebrate not only the water sport of dragon boating but the amazing environment we have paddled in for almost 20 years," said Brian Kenny, president of the host team, the Nothin' Dragon Masters.
"Of all birds that use the inlet, the Kingfisher seems to epitomize the strength and speed one feels on the water. The Kingfisher propels itself stealthily to the water to catch its prize, just like a Dragon Boat team as they put all of their strength and group focus into a race, that is over in a few minutes." It was for this reason, the event logo features the kingfisher. The artwork was donated by First Nation artist Glen Rabena.
An opening ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. with Kwikwetlem First Nation and the first races will commence shortly after. Paddlers and spectators can enjoy entertainment throughout the day from Chapter 11 (Rob Sheridan and Bob Collins), and Tony Prophet. The beer garden, operated by Rotary Club of Port Moody will serve beverages from Yellow Dog, Twin Sails, Moody Ales, and Parkside breweries.
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. On location for the event will be Porky's, Thrifty's Foods Smile Truck, Island Time, and Bicycle Bearista. Pajos Fish & Chips, Rocky Point Ice Cream and The Boathouse Restaurant are located within the park grounds.
Arrive in an earth-friendly manner by taking the SkyTrain. The Evergreen Millennium Line to Moody Centre Station stops a mere 150 meters from the Rocky Point dock. This is a waste-free event, so paddlers and spectators as asked that if they carry it in, please carry it out.
"We've been overwhelmed with the support we've received for this event, and our team would like to extend gratitude to those that have made our inaugural regatta possible, in particular K+S Potash Canada who have supported in a big way!" said Brian Kenny.
“K+S Potash Canada is thrilled to be a title sponsor of the inaugural 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 a fun and successful event!"
The Inlet Spring Regatta sponsors are: K + S Potash Canada, Reed Point Marina, City of Port Moody, Port of Vancouver, PC Urban, Beedie Living, Marcon, Lotus Sports Club, 98.7 The Point radio, Oddball Apparel, Shutter Up & Shoot, Rotary Club of Port Moody. Thanks also to Cobs, Save-on-Foods, Flavelle Cedar, Eagleridge Tim Hortons, and Hydrop Pop Event Services.
More information can be found at www.inletspringregatta.com.
RSVP to our Facebook event.
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