Fantastic final day in Port Camargue, 18 to 24 kts from the North with sunshine.
23 teams took to the water for the final 3 races to decide who would win the Sud Dragon “Open French Championship” in Port Camargue. Although GBR 789 and FRA 409 were leading overall tied on 21 points with 3 races still to go the Championship was still very much undecided.
The President du Committee de Course, Paul Bastard set a 1.2 nm course and a sensible length line for the strong wind conditions. As the wind was predominantly from the North this kept the water relatively flat, but with some sizeable wind oscillations. So many places could be won or lost if teams got out of phase with the 20 to 30 degree shifts, but this provided an excellent challenge for the top teams.
Open French Champions, in Port Camargue, Mihkel Kosk, Martin Payne & Emma York.
In the end it was my team on “Bear” GBR 789, representing Yacht Club La Baule who came out on top recording 2nd, 3rd & 2nd to finish on 28pts. My thanks go to Mihkel Kosk and Emma York for their sailing skills and excellent company throughout the week.
Runner’s Up & French National Champions Joseph Guillou, Gwen Chapalain & Gauthier Guillou.
In 2nd place overall was “Nenette” FRA 413 representing SR Douarnenez helmed by Gauthier Guillou, crewed by Joseph Guillou and Gwen Chapalain. As the leading French team they also received the French National Title, after a brilliant final day which included two race wins to finish on 34pts.
3rd overall “Tsuica” FRA 409 Jean-Gabriel Charton & helm Gerard Blanc.
This was an excellent performance by Gerard Blanc and his team representing Yacht Club de Cannes. Going into the last day Gerard, crewed by Jean-Gabriel Charton & Richard Pernici we’re joint leaders and despite their valiant efforts they were just pipped by one point finishing on 35pts. This gave them the runner’s up title in the French Nationals.
A special mention must go to “1 Quick 1” SUI 318 who was the other race winner on the final day. Wolf Waschkuhn, crewed by Tim Tavinor & Joao Vidinha sailed a great race 9 to add to their previous win in race 4.
In closing I would like to congratulate Jean Berger FRA 319 for not only his excellent sailing (4th overall) but also for establishing Port Camargue on the International Dragon Circuit. This is a perfect sailing area set only a short distance from the well equipped Marina. The “Sud Dragons” have an excellent venue for future Dragon events and l strongly recommend travelling sailors to participate here in 2020.
Higher, Faster, Longer……. Stavros.
p.s. Many thanks to Fred Jepasse & Sud Dragon for the photo’s.