The famous Royal Yacht Squadron signals the start of the Dragon Class at 11.05am today, which saw a very competitive fleet sail a 3 hour course around the Solent in glorious sailing conditions. With a strong ebb tide the fleet set off towards the East with the Main Sponsors “Aberdeen Asset Management” spinnakers to the fore….. 
Local hero Graham Bailey made a poor start, having to change a ripped spinnaker on the first 2 mile downwind leg. But quick crew work saw a replacement up in no time and this experienced team of 4, Graham and wife Julia, Will Heritage and Richard Powell went on to eventually win the race. Battling strong in 2nd place was GBR 761 Gavia Wilkinson-Cox who is really up to win her first Cowes Week, followed by Simon Barter GBR 763 in 3rd.
Cowes Week offers the ultimate challenge to any sailor with 40 different Handicapped, One Design and Multihull classes ranging from the small Flying Fifteens, XOD’s and Seaview Mermaids to the huge “Oman” Multihull with speeds in excess of 40kts… 
It’s a truly fantastic week with ever changing tides, winds and over 1000 boats to negotiate amongst… More to follow each day during this week long event..
Higher, Faster, Longer………. Stavros. (GBR 660)