Hundreds of international competitors gathered in Sidney this weekend for the .

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Organizers laud the enthusiasm of local businesses and the community, says media lead Kaitlyn Rosenburg, adding that it was a great introduction to coastal rowing to North America, as Sidney was chosen as the first North American host city. She said they would continue to promote coastal rowing on the Island. The 48 boats used for the event will be sold to local rowing clubs after the event to develop the sport locally.

Sidney resident Julien Bahain not only served as regatta director for the event, but won gold with his rowing partner and brother-in-law, Mitchel Steenman.

The race was very close, with the pair starting well behind the rest. Racing for the Netherlands, they came from behind and won after going stroke-for-stroke with the French.

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B次元官网网址淚t was bigger than what we expected,B次元官网网址� said Bahain. B次元官网网址淚t was a good surprise for everyone and definitely brought some awareness of the sport.B次元官网网址�

Though coastal rowing is known for rough waters, conditions were calm this weekend.

B次元官网网址淩owers expect more waves in coastal rowing but from an organizerB次元官网网址檚 perspective I think it made things a lot easier,B次元官网网址� said Bahain.

Bahain said when the bid was submitted in November, B次元官网网址渨e didnB次元官网网址檛 know how things were going to go but we had a great local community and stood up to the challenge.B次元官网网址�

Bahain was B次元官网网址渁mazedB次元官网网址� by the number of people who volunteered B次元官网网址渨hich made the event even greater,B次元官网网址� and was also pleased with people young and old who watched and participated.

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