Canada plays host to the longest running Dragon Boat Festival which is an annual event and marking the 29th annual event.
The event is the second largest race outside the Hong Kong Festival in the history of the sport and wrapped up this past weekend that featured two full days of competitive racing.
The event features over 180 teams from around the Globe all competing in the waters of False Creek and Friday’s ceremonies kicked off with a gala as well as a live performances on stage.
The real racing started Saturday morning at 8 AM in addition to all the fun zones for the fans featuring exceptional music, which kept everyone “hopping” and on their feet under warm weather.
The qualifying races began at 8 AM and ran through the morning while the opening ceremonies featuring the CHMB AM 1320 Variety Show and the invited dignitaries welcoming the athletes to this year’s race.
Day two of the completion again started at eight on the waters of False Creek with most everyone making plans on qualifying to see who would advance to the afternoon championship.
Some of the races in traditional Dragon Boat style that saw the teams work in unison to achieve a top finish that saw almost featured a photo finish at the end.
One unique boat on display was the Dragon Zone Canada 150 Project; a beautifully hand crafted canoe that had 16 people working on it in anticipation of Canada’s 150th Birthday.
Following the completion of the races the final race featured race a Concord Pacific Guts and Glory mixed race featuring 16 teams that raced 2000 meters wrapping up this years festival.
Some concern once again saw come local pleasure boats cause problems or concerns for the Dragon Boat Racers as a large vessel crossed in front on the group as they were about to start.
In doing so they managed to get the rope tangled with the racers at the start line which caused over half an hour delaying in the event.
Thus it was not real surprise that the Vancouver Police Department Police Boat was called into action to rectify the situation.
2018 will mark the 30th Anniversary for the races and currently the dates are penciled in for June 22-24, 2018
Special “thanks” to Anita Webster, the organization and numerous volunteers who worked long and hard to make this a success.
Thanks to B. Nolte for covering the event for SPORTWAVE
