Winners GER 1170 Jochen Schumann, Ingo Borlowski & Helm/Owner Marcus Brenneke.
The final day (Friday 2nd) of the Cannes Grand Prix did not change the overnight results as no additional races were made despite Race Officer Philippe Enel taking the fleet out early to the Gulf Juan Course. With 3 predicted forecast model’s showing different transition periods of when exactly the wind would move from NE to West, it was worth a gamble to try a race before the change. But the transition happened sooner rather than later and the opportunity was lost. However, an extremely wet squall on the way back to the marina did not dampen sailors spirit so a final attempt was made to race in the building westerly breeze after a short time ashore. Unfortunately, a course was set but after one recalled start the wind rose to 25kts plus…. The skies turned blue and the sun made it’s first appearance of the week which signalled a “Mistral” so all racing prospects disappeared..
However, it did give an opportunity for some of the fleet to crane out and pack away their boats in a much warmer surroundings than they had experienced all week. It also set things up very nicely for the superb Prize Giving Party held in the Le Tube Restaurant, in the centre of Cannes.
Yacht Club de Cannes Gerard Blanc with IDA Chairman Vasily Senatorov at Prize Giving.
So the victory went to the team from Germany helmed by Marcus Brenneke, crewed by Triple Gold Medalist Jochen Schumann & Ingo Borlowski.
Jochen Schumann raises the Trophy beside Gerard Blanc & fellow crew Ingo Borlowski. (Marcus Brenneke missing).
Runners Up were the brilliant team from RUS 27 helmed by Anatoly Loginov, crewed by Vadim Statsenko & Alexandre Shaligin. These European Champions from 2016 had to settle for 2nd spot this time after beating Marcus and his team back in St Petersburg 2 years ago…
2nd overall RUS 27 Vadim Statsenko, Anatoly Loginov (Helm) & Alexandre Shaligin.
Taking the final podium place were the “New Boys” from Abersoch, sailing GBR 818. Although no stranger to sailing success winning countless National Championships in a variety of One Design Classes, Mike Budd was delighted to finish 3rd in his brand new V6.
3rd Overall GBR 818 Mark Greaves, Mike Budd, Gerard & Chris Gowers (Tim Tavinor crewed day 1).
Top Corinthians were the Swedish Team sailing SWE 389 Karl-Gustaf Lohr, crewed by Jasper Bendix & Mads Hansen. Unfortunately, this team missed the fantastic Prize Giving Party, which was a great pity. However, the 2nd & 3rd Overall Corinthians were present having fun & celebrate a great result..
2nd Corinthians (left) BEL 88 Gerard with Steven Vermeire, Guy Celis & Willy Hambrouke.
3rd Corinthians (right) BEL 80 Ben Cauwenbergh, who for some reason took all the prizes of his crew Manu Hens & Siebe De Boo !
The whole Prize Giving ended up with great music, fine wine, nice atmosphere and lots of dancing… A very nice way to round off this first European Grade 1 Regatta… My thanks to Yacht Club de Cannes and all the Race Management, helpers and volunteers, who despite the extreme cold weather and against all odds, managed to complete the series and give the 45 International Teams a week to remember 🙂
Higher, Faster, Warmer (Now) ….. Stavros.
Many thanks to Elena Razina for the Prize Giving Photo’s x