Fantastic Conditions in La Baule…

IDA Vice Chairman Stephane Baseden FRA 420, leads the 37 boat fleet around the top mark in race 3.

Three more excellent races were completed yesterday at the Derby Dragon La Baule in near perfect conditions. With a consistent 15 to 18 kts of northerly wind and a blue sky, it was just what the Doctor ordered for the 37 competing teams. The early “pace setters” in race 3 of the series were FRA 420 “Outlaw” & FRA 207  “Q Ti Too” but in the end after the two upwind and two downwind legs, it was FRA 365 “Ar Youleg” who took the victory.

In the second race of the day, race 4 of the series, a great fight was had between FRA 391 “Ulysse” and GBR 789 “Bear”, with never more than a boat length between them… In the end it was GBR 789 “Bear” who just got the inside line at the final gate to take the win.

A good start at the pin end for FRA 207 “Q Ti Too” helmed by Fred Gourlaouen.

In the final race of the day it was again FRA 391 “Ulysse” who charged up the middle of the course to take the early lead…this time helm Jean Breger held on to deservedly take the winning gun as the course was shortened at the top of the 2nd beat to allow the fleet time to get safely back into the harbour as the tide was ebbing quickly.

GBR 797 “Anarchy” fights hard on the “dog leg” with FRA 411 “Bonn Pomme”.

Special mention must go to two “older” dragons who are both currently laying in the top 10 overall. GBR 586 “Scorpio” owned and helmed by Ian Grey is in 10th position sailing his Petticrows built in 1992. Whilst in 8th position overall is the amazingly well kept GRB 515 “Basilisk” owned and helmed by Pattrick Gifford. This Borresen was built in the late 1980’s and is still as quick as ever…It’s super to see these vintage boats go so well against the new.

So here are the overall standings after 5 races , hopefully 2 more races today to finish.

Higher, Faster, Longer…………    Stavros.  (GBR 789).