Inlet Spring Regatta Kicks-off the 2023 Dragon Boat Season
Dragon boats in alignment for the start of a race at the Inlet Spring Regatta on April 29, 2023. (Photo: Ed Nguyen / ISR)
“Inlet Spring Regatta now the largest one-day event in Port Moody!”
After months of preparation and a long cold wet spring, the 4th annual Inlet Spring Regatta was held on April 29 with summerlike weather conditions. The morning started with sunny skies and calm, flat waters and the temperature rose throughout the day.
Host team president, Brian Kenny opened the event with welcome remarks and thanked the sponsors and many volunteers, mostly comprised of team Nothin’ Dragon. In recognition of Nothin’ Dragon’s 25th year, a presentation was made to Pat Johnson and Ann Newsom, original members, who still paddle and compete today.
A greeting was then provided by Kwikwetlem First Nation Councillor, John Peters; and speaking on behalf of Port Moody City Council was Mayor Megan Lahti who mentioned how the Inlet Spring Regatta has become the largest event for the city.
Left to right: Port Moody major, Megan Lahti; event chairman, Brian Kenny; original 25-year member of Nothin’ Dragon, Pat Johnson; and KFN councillor, John Peters. (Photo: ISR)
35 teams were excited about competing in their first race of the season! They raced the 200m course in close to perfect conditions. Winds came up slightly in the afternoon. Teams were from North Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Moody, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford, Surrey, Delta, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, the Fraser Valley, Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver, Squamish, Pitt Meadows, Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, and Richmond. Learn more about each team HERE.
Providing energetic and uplifting music was announcer Rod MacBeth. Live entertainment was greatly received and featured bluegrass music from 5 On a String, the soulful sounds of Steve Marriott out on the pier, and popular songs by Fernando Trova in the beer garden.
Event organizers delivered the awards ceremony by 2:30 p.m. handing out the coveted woodals to teams in the top three spots of each division. Teams and patrons enjoyed time in the Yellow Dog beer garden and yummy food from the food trucks. The 50/50 draw made $775 to the Share Family & Community Services - SHARE Society. The 50/50 winner was a member of the Grandragons. He generously provided $250 of his prize to the charity, making our donation to the Society, $1000.
Fastest team of the day! DH Swordfish from Vancouver. (Photo: Ed Nguyen/ISR)
Congrats to all the woodal recipients! DH Swordfish put in the fastest time of the day at 56:85. Race results can be viewed HERE.
Nothin’ Dragon wish to thank this year’s sponsors and supporters: K+S Potash Canada, City of Port Moody, Yellow Dog Brewing, Enhance Sport & Wellness, The Tri-City News, Kingfisher Docks, Oddball Workshop, Flavelle Oceanfront Development, Old Mill Boathouse, G2G Race Management, Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue, Rod MacBeth, Ed Nguyen Photography, and Thrifty Foods.
Dragon boats cross on Burrard Inlet. ( Photo: Ed Nguyen / ISR)
Thanks to the teams: Abreast in a Boat Fortitude, Abreast at Rocky Point, Al-O-Wetters, Brier Fire, Butts in a Boat, Century Dragons, CROSSNA, DH Swordfish, Draggin’ Divas, Dragon Ladies, FCRCC Momentum, FLCC Chicks Ahoy, FLCC D-Fyance, FLCC FORTified, FLCC Fraser Spirit, FLCC Iron Maidens, FLCC Paddle Pushers, FLCC Race Crew, FLCC Sundragons, FLCC Titanium, FLCC WOW, Grandragons, Harrison Wild, Paddle Rangers, RPDB Moody Brews, RPDB Moody Dragons, RPDB Pass the BUK, RPDB Unified Ripped Tides, Seraphins, Seventh Wave, Squamish DBA Chawanda, Sudden Impact One Paddle, Thunder Strokers, Twisted Dragons, and Wave Crashers.