Four dragon boat teams from the Sunshine Coast left their mark at the 10th annual Regatta July 7 and 8.
Sea Gals, a women's team in its third year, enjoyed the fastest race and placed first in the Jade B division.
The McKenzie Mussels team with six men and 14 women won their last race and placed first in the consolation round.
Sunshine Dragons Abreast, a team of cancer survivors, welcomed a new steersperson who negotiated the team out of a difficult situation on the water. They also welcomed survivors from four other Coast teams in the special breast cancer race.
The mixed Dragontinis showed great enthusiasm. They paddle out of Pender Harbour Pub and Marina, where there is a drink named for them.
The four teams were located together in the tent city at Nanaimo's waterfront, where they paddled hard and enjoyed the amenities of the regatta in their off hours.
All five dragon boat teams welcome new paddlers (four operate in Sechelt Inlet). One great aspect is the age range on every team, usually from 30 to 70, with room for younger teams. Another is the dedication and skills of both coaches and steerspersons. The teams work hard, practising two evenings a week.
For more information on dragon boating, see www.scdragonboatclub.com.
- Submitted
