While the temperatures soared to scorching levels Saturday afternoon, it was the blistering pace of the sailors on Tabor Lake making waves.
The two-day competition was exciting, featuring 3 successful practice races and two full race days. And some of the tightest finishes and most technical racing were on display right at the end. In the C420 female class, Elena Graham and Sophie De Launière (Zone 6) raced to the gold medal position. The pair had set a goal of winning gold at the Games more than a year ago, so to see it come to fruition was rewarding.
“We’ve been working towards this for such a long time,” said De Launière. “We had heard about the experience of winning a medal, and when we set the goal, it seemed arbitrary. But we worked hard towards it.”
The pair normally practice in ocean water, so the freshwater setting of Tabor Lake was an added challenge.
“The wind was shifty and made for good races,” added Graham. “The current is different, too. But we were prepared; we practice a few times a week and do fitness training, always looking forward.”
The other gold medals went to Ilias Mehta and Loukas Mehta in the C420 Open Class (Zone 6), Rachel Anderson in the ILCA6 Female (Zone 6), Shima Chiang in the ILCA6 Male (Zone 6), Hugo Bandringa in Optimist Male (Zone 6), and Evelyn Bruce in Optimist Female (Zone 5).
Delani Hulme-Lawrence, BC Sailing’s provincial advisor with the Games, said the competition throughout the weekend was incredible, but so was the experience in Prince George.
“The athletes are feeling blessed to have had access to such a wonderful venue,” she explained. “They’ve had a good time, are enjoying the accommodation, and food services went above and beyond in meeting some dietary restrictions. All in all, 10 out of 10.”
The prospect of not being able to sail at the Games this year was very real. With multiple area lakes committed for other sports, and other lakes too far away, Tabor Lake remained the only viable option. Insert Loralyn Murdoch, Sport Director with the Games Society and a resident of a home on the shores of Tabor Lake. “When you sit on the Board, and you live at Tabor, and they don’t have a venue, you put up your hand!” said Murdoch while taking in some of the activity Saturday afternoon. “It’s been incredible having the athletes here, how excited they are and how respectful of their surroundings they’ve been.”
Delani Hulme-Lawrence, BC Sailing’s provincial advisor with the Games, was appreciative of Murdoch and husband Don Gaboury’s hospitality.
“The private location made for an exceptional experience. To have grass leading right into the water, secure trailer parking, and easy boat launching made it an incredible venue.”