Call it a variation on the tortoise and the hare.
In the A Division battle at the annual Dragon Boat races over 250 metres the RTA Young Dragons left the venerable RTA Dragons (photo at right) toiling in their wake.
But when it came to the 1,000m, the senior dragons turned the tables comprehensively, crossing the line nearly four seconds clear.
“It was a wonderful festival,” said organiser Ruth Mills. “A perfect day - showery in the morning with glassy water and sunshine brought out by the Terrace Pipe band just in time for the races to begin.”
Paddlers came from Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat to enjoy the fun and friendly competition on the calm waters of Minette Bay where the log Sort Yard was transformed into a festival ground with music from “Jiggy with Liggy” a visit from a clown and a kids zone run by Vanessa from the Child Development Centre.
Not forgetting the delicious food available from the several vendors on-site.
The results were as follows (unless indicated, the team was from Kitimat):
Division A
1- RTA Young Dragons 1:10:83
2- RTA Dragons 1:13:23
3- Revenge of the Dragons 1:15:97
Division B
1- Free Spirit 1:16:95
2- Wasabi Warriors 1:18:91
3 -Tragically Quick 1:23:47
Division C
1- KMP Crushers (Bechtel, Kitimat) 1:19:13
2- Lakelse Dragons (Terrace) 1:22:84
3- Hawkair (Terrace) 1:25:42
Division D
1- Regatta Warriors 1:23:44
2- Motley Crew 1:27 :35
3- Wellness Warriors (Kitimat but also including two members of Prince Rupert’s Rainbow Warriors) 1:30:35
Guts and Glory Race
1- RTA Dragons 5:57:03
2- RTA Young Dragons 6:00:98
3- Revenge of the Dragons 6:12:53