44th Regates Royal in Cannes….

32 Dragons enjoyed wonderful conditions in Cannes.

The colourful and spectacular Regates Royal took place between the 19th & 23rd September attracting many Classic Yachts, Tofinou’s, 12 metre’s, 5.5’s, Smeralda’s and 32 International Dragons.

This year the Dragon’s were based at the YCC and not the Old Port, which although this was not the preferred choice of the sailors it shortened the sailing time to the race courses and the Yacht Club was filled each day after racing with happy, smiling faces. Next year the fleet will return to the traditional Le Vieux Port Cannes (Old Port) where the majority of teams enjoy their accommodation and many superb restaurants.

10 races were completed over the 5 days in a variety of wind conditions.

The early leader after 2 races was the 4 man team of FRA 428 “Bande a Part” helmed by French Legend Gery Trentesaux, who finished the opening day on just 5pts counting a 2nd and 3rd. However, his advantage slipped a little by mid week after some extremely consistent sailing by SUI 313 “Free” helmed by Dirk Oldenburg, who had Michi Lipp on board for this event which certainly seemed to make a difference.

Another team sailing very well and keeping themselves towards the front of the fleet was POR 90 “Powwow” helmed by Michael Zankel, crewed by Joao Vidinha and Joao Matos Rosa. Michael was very pleased to be sailing again after pulling out of the recent Gold Cup in Oostende due to a breakdown of his Harbeck Trailer during delivery. Meanwhile the top Corinthian Team and winners of race 3 was GBR 818 “True Story” helmed by Jono Brown, crewed by Chris Brittain and Gilly Hamilton. They also won the “Round the Island” fun race that was added to the schedule on day 4.

Overall Winners POR 90 “Pow Wow” Michael, Joao & Joao. 

In the end it came down to the final day and the last 2 races with 3 boats in contention for the overall victory, SUI 313, FRA 428 and POR 90. That saying “it’s never over till it’s over” came to fruition as POR 90 won the final race to take the title by just 2pts. Many congratulations to Michael, Joao & Joao.

Final Podium 1st Michael Zankel, Joao Vidinha, Joao Matos Rosa. 2nd Dirk Oldenburg, Michael Lipp & Dominic Zycki. 3rd Gery Trentesaux, Jean Queveau, Sofian Bouvet & Christian Ponthieu. Awarded their prizes by IDA Chairman Gerard Blanc.

Top Corinthian Team and 4th Overall Jono Brown, Chris Brittain & Gillian Hamilton.

A huge thank you to all the helpers and volunteers of YCC especially to the tractor drivers and on shore helper’s who stood for hours organising the logistics of parking the boats and making space for competitors cars in the busy Palm Beach car park. More photo’s can be viewed online from top photographer Jehan Lerin Photographie.

Higher, Faster, Longer……   Stavros.   GBR 790.