Klaus Diederichs Wins the 47th Royal Regatta in Cannes with Diego Negri and Martin Westerdahl.
Yacht Club de Cannes hosted a most perfect Regatta, with Sunshine, Wind and Great Hospitality.
This was not only one of the most competitive Regates Royal for the Dragon Class, but also one of the best for all round sailing conditions enjoyed by all 35 teams under blue skies, sunshine & fun. After winning the Gold Cup just over 2 weeks ago GER 16 Dirk Pramann was back in form trying to complete a double success, but this time both SUI 313 Dirk Oldenburg & GBR 819 Klaus Diederichs stood in his way. Also challenging the leaders was the “Royal” Dragon Bluebottle GBR 192, once again helmed by the brilliant Graham Bailey, with UAE 17 & POR 50 all in close proximity.
Superb conditions at the 47th Royal Regatta in Cannes. Photo’s by Robert Deaves UK.
For those of you not familiar with Cannes the Regates Royal is always held during the last full week of September, with normally light winds, sunshine and gentle sea breezes. This year we had the sunshine but for 4 of the 5 days the famous “Mistral” conditions eventually prevailed giving this competitive fleet the most exhilarating sailing imaginable. True champagne sailing, with downwind surfing and lots of upwind strategy required. All in all a great week which was summed up by our winner Klaus Diederichs who told me “This was Cannes at it’s best – blue sky, sunshine, good wind and great racing. Definitely a Royal Regatta”.
The beautiful “Bluebottle” GBR 192 gracing Cannes with it’s Royal presence……
In the Corinthian Division it was a close fight with many top teams in the mix. In the end it was SWE 404 Karl Gustav-Lohr, crewed by Jasper Bendix & Mads Hansen who took the victory from GBR 753 “Fit Chick” helmed by Jono Brown, crewed by Chris & Emma Grosscurth & IRL 201 Martin Byrne 3rd, crewed by his son Conor Byrne & Adam Winkleman.
Corinthian Podium… 1st SWE 404 Karl, Jasper & Mads. 2nd GBR 753 Jono, Chris & Emma. 3rd IRL 201 Martin, Adam & Conor.
Our IDA Chairman and Yacht Club de Cannes Treasurer Gerard Blanc said “Not only do we have a very International fleet, but ‘champagne sailing conditions’ with wind and warm seas. It is not surprising to see that many sailors love to come and compete in the Royal Regatta’s. They are welcomed like Royalty to YCC… and I’m delighted!” Well said Gerard and many thanks for all you have done to help the Dragon Class in your 4 years as our Chairman….
Another amazing photo taken by “Robert Deaves” UK, our winner GBR 819 in the mix….
This was a fantastic event and once again proves the Dragon Class is very much back to it’s pre-covid popularity. After 75 boats in Douarnenez for the Gold Cup, followed by a good turn out for the Dutch & Irish Nationals, then 35 boats here in Cannes… What’s not to like.
Many Congratulations for the Podium Teams.
Gold to : GBR 819 Klaus Diederichs, Diego Negri & Martin Westerdahl (Substitute Sandy).
Silver to : SUI 313 Dirk Oldenburg, Pedro Andrade & Dominik Zycki
Bronze to : GER 16 Dirk Pramann, Kilian Weise & Charles Nankin.
In one month’s time the Fleet will return to Cannes for the 4th IDA Grade1 of 2025, plus Finals. Before that Port Camargue will host it’s annual regatta Oct 15th to 18th. Then we have Winter Series to look forward to in so many classic locations, San Remo, Puerto Portals, Cascais, Cannes, Port Camargue & Vilamoura…. Just to name a few. Lastly, please do not forget the Marblehead Trophy in St Tropez! 14th to 16th November…Last year’s winner & holder Dirk Oldenburg is anticipating a good number of participants… be there!
On Oct 25th we have the AGM in Hamburg, with so many important decisions to be voted on.. Venues for 100th Anniversary (2029) Gold Cup (2028) Europeans (2028) Yes or No to GPS & Start Sense plus many other important topics. More to follow….
Higher, Faster, Longer……. Stavros. In Cannes.
