1Winners FRA 365 “Ar Youleg” Christian Guyader, Frederic Denis & Gwen Chapalain.

Two more races were sailed on the final day in the Derby Dragon La Baule, in a light and shifting northerly breeze and flat water. As the wind filtered through the houses onto the water it was a difficult race course to read although it was the left hand side that paid most of the time.

DRONEThe Dragons leave the Marina of La Baule to prepare for the final races of Derby Dragon.

The first race of the day was won by GBR 633 ” Fei-lin Flirtation” helmed by Ron James and his Wife Julia and Ian Turnbull. This was the second victory for this team and a great result for Ron and Julia who are always travelling across Europe supporting the Dragon Circuit in their beautiful wooden Borresen Cold Moulded Dragon.. well done.

The second race of the day was won by FRA 365 “Ar Youleg” helmed by Christian Guyader, this victory gave this top French team the Championship, winning on countback from FRA 391 “Ulysse” helmed by Jean Breger.

2Runners Up, FRA 391 “Ulysse” Gaetan Aunette, Christian Gout & helm Jean Breger.

Finishing in 3rd place overall was my team in GBR 789 “Bear”, crewed by Dominic and Olivier Bakker. Although slightly disappointed to loose our overall lead on the final day, we were beaten by two excellent French Teams so many congratulations to Christian and Jean…

33rd place overall GBR 789 “Bear” Dominic & Olivier Bakker with Martin Payne.

Top Corinthian Team finishing in an excellent 5th place overall was FRA 404 “Poulico” sailed by Emmanuel Lafosse, Francois Laborde & Philippe Ballanger. This team from Arcachon put some consistent scores together and to finish in the top 5 was excellent, well done.

AAAATop Corinthians, FRA 404 “Poulico” Emmanuel Lafosse, Francois Laborde & Philippe Ballanger.

One of the longest supporters of the Derby Dragon is Edward Simmons from America. Ed has been coming to La Baule for over 8 years and was awarded a special prize for his loyalty to the event…

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FRA 334 “Avel Dro” Edward Simmons with Didier & Peter Jeffery (7th overall).

So the 2016 Derby Dragon comes to the end and a great time was had by all. The Yacht Club La Baule always provide first class entertainment, great races and are simply one of the friendliest clubs you could ever visit. My thanks to all the Committee, Organisers and Volunteers, led superbly by President Dominique Molett.  Long live La Baule 🙂

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