75th Jubilee for Poul-Richard (The “Man)!

             Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen will celebrate his 75th Birthday today (Sunday June 2nd) in style after winning both Douarnenez and La Baule already this year !  Yes, The “Man” maybe 75 yrs young, but he is still living life to the full and leaving us mere mortals in his wake….  No doubt Poul-Richard will be raising a glass or two today with his loving Wife Sophia in Holland as he relaxes before preparing to compete in the Gold Cup, Medemblik June 9th-14th.

On behalf of the IDA and Sailors all over the World, we would like to thank you Poul-Richard for making such a difference especially in the Dragon Class. Your creativity, design expertise and natural sailing talent is second to none. If anyone looks at your sailing C.V. it’s like reading the who’s who of any world sport and with 2 Olympic Gold Medals (1976 & 1980 Soling Class) to your name, plus endless World, European & National Titles (Dragon, Etchells, H-Boat, Quarter Ton & Half Ton) is it any wonder you still keep on winning…..

Poul-Richard, Valdemar Bandalovski & Erik Hansen win the first of their Gold Medals in Soling, Canada 1976.

After completing National Service in the Danish Navy, Poul-Richard worked with the great Paul Elvstrom and legendary Hans Fogh in the Sail, Mast & Boatbuilding business. He was knighted by the Queen of Denmark and won the Royal Yacht Squadron Sailor of the year in 2009. Although there are simply too many victory’s and titles to mention, I’m sure the Dragon Sailors from all over the World would want to thank you for the contribution, help, support and knowledge you impart to all in this wonderful class we sail and love….

We all consider it an honour and a privilege to be on the same race course as you, trying to emulate your immense talent and enhance our skills by racing against the best Dragon Sailor that has ever been……..  Long may it continue….

Poul-Richard, we salute you……..

Higher, Faster, Longer……….    Stavros.  (Your ever learning pupil).