THUNDER BAY -- Paddles chuning in unison, Dragon Boats emerged from the shadows in the thick wall of fog that blanketed Boulevard Lake on Saturday.
It was the first time in the event's 17 year history that the finish line wasn't visible from the starting line.
Dragon Boat Race Festival.chair Volker Kromm said the fog didn't even make his volunteers consider delaying the races.
"I think we're pretty good. All these teams are fairly experienced," he said.
"It's a matter of when you get close to the finish line, 'wovw, there it is. We're all done.' But it's lifing now it was the first time we haven't been able to see the finish line from the start so it's exciting."
Ariah Robichaud rowed with Professor Perfect Paddlers. He said it was a shame for the spectators that the course was only partly visible from shore but added the fog lifted as the day warmed up. He, for one, was excited about the opportunity.
"It was totally on the water with your team and that's it. You have no idea where you're going. You're just going into the mist. It was pirate, for sure."
