FIN 63 Winners Ii-Man Tcheng, Niko Ruokosuo, Casper Von Koskull & his father Peter.
With no races possible on the final day in Cannes due to too much wind, the title deservedly went to the overnight leaders from Finland.. Not only did helm Peter Von Koskull and his team win the first European Grade 1 event of 2016, but they are all “Corithian” sailors, so they obviously took that title too :-). A fantastic achievement for this “new” team into the Dragon Class who come from and have been extremely successful in the 470 class with 2 European Championships wins behind them. Very well done to you all…..
Runner Up overall on equal points, but just losing out on count back, was Gavia Wilkinson-Cox helming her GBR 761 “Jerboa”, crewed by Mark Hart and Phillip Catmur. This excellent team from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, showed great speed and consistency over the 5 races and were always in the mix. Gavia has proved once again that she is at the very top of her game by beating so many other experienced teams in this quality International Fleet.
Team “Jerboa” GBR 761 Phillip Catmur, Mark Hart and Helm Gavia Wilkinson-Cox.
Finishing 3rd overall, just 1pt behind the leaders, was GBR 801 “Alfie” helmed by Lawrie Smith, crewed by Tim Tavinor and Joost Houweling. This “Gold Cup” winning team of 2015 made some amazing recovery’s after seeming to be in deep trouble at times, which of course shows great sailing quality..
Tim Tavinor cranes out GBR 801 “Alfie” on the final day in Cannes. Assisted by the many helpers and volunteers of the Yacht Club de Cannes….
A Big Thank You to Gerard Blanc on the crane “all day” in the rain on his 65th Birthday !
Pierre Germain one of the three “Tractor” Drivers helps move the Trailers in the rain !
Yes, it was a wet and windy final day in Cannes but that did not dampen the spirits of all the competitors from the 51 International boats as they used the final day to pack away and prepare for the journey home.
This was an excellent start to our 4 “European” Grade 1 events of 2016 and all competitors enjoyed the new Sailing Instructions that provide the Full Championship Course of 3 upwind legs. I would also like to offer a big thank you to Philippe Enel the President of the Committee’ who did an excellent job at such short notice as our World Champion International Race Officer, Phillipe Faure, was taken ill.
Congratulations to all, especially the winners from Finland, also a thank you to the helpers & volunteers of the Yacht Club de Cannes………
Higher, Faster, Longer……………………… Stavros. (GBR 585).
