We care about your data, and we'd love to use cookies to make your experience better.Cookie settingsGreat, I love cookies!
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Day 5 of Dragon Worlds, in Cascais.
With gusts in excess of 35kts on the outer course towards Guincho and unstable winds on the inner course off Estoril no racing was possible on Thursday. However, 2 more races were sailed yesterday (Friday) in a breezy north-westerly wind and fantastic rolling waves which provided the 70 boat fleet with many exhilarating moments.
Winning the International Dragon World Championship is no simple matter as the fleet standard reaches arguably its highest level. So it is no surprise that after 7 completed races there are still 3 teams that can lift this coveted trophy on the final day!
Favourites are still TUR 1212 “Provezza Dragon” who go into the final race with a 7pt lead. This superb team of Andy Beadsworth, Simon Fry & Ali Tezdiker almost nailed the championship yesterday, but fighting hard to prevent that scenario are RUS 27 “Annapurna” and GBR 815 “Alfie”.
The closest challengers are the current European Champions (2016 St Petersburg) RUS 27 helmed by Anatoly Loginov who has put together a consistent series which includes a “redress” average points score after being infringed in race 7 at the top mark which forced them to retire.
Then right behind is GBR 815 “Alfie”, helmed by Lawrie Smith, crewed by Hugo Rocha, Joao Matos Rosa & Goncalo Ribeiro (see opening photo). Winning race 7 yesterday means Lawrie can still lift the title a second time after winning it in Melbourne 2011. However, he would have to win the final race and hope TUR 1212 finishes 10th or worse and RUS 27 finishes out of the top 3. Confused ? Yes well so am I but I did speak with Lawrie last night he said “The best thing about 3 of us still having a chance to win is that it stops Andy sailing us down the fleet, as if we were the only one’s able to beat him, I’m sure that’s what would have happened”… So basically it’s all to play for today….
Higher, Faster, Longer……… Stavros.