GBR 818 Wins in La Baule…… “True Story”

GBR 818 “True Story” Won the 2023 Dragon Derby in La Baule, with 35 Teams.

For those of us lucky enough to visit La Baule each year the atmosphere, sailing conditions and camaraderie amongst competitors just gets better and better. Yacht Club La Baule has such friendly Bar Staff (led by Morgan) a great social programme and a host of volunteers and members guided by President Dominique Molette . Yes, it is a true privilege to be part of this annual regatta and as an Honorary Member I am humbled by the welcome we always receive.

35 Teams enjoyed 4 days of sailing in La Baule, completing 7 races in a variety of conditions.

During the beginning of the regatta it was Douarnenez’s Fred Gourlaquen who dominated proceedings. Fred, crewed by Jean Francois Le Goff & Charlotte Gourlaquen started with 2,1 & 1 and although slipped to 11th in race 4 held a commanding lead by the halfway stage. The other team showing good boat speed and skilful tactics after the first 4 races was NED 309 “Furie” helmed by Guus de Groot, crewed by Hay Winters & Richard van Rij. Guus recorded wins in race 1 and race 4 so followed closely behind Fred in the overall rankings.

FRA 207 Fred Gourlaquen and NED 309 Guus de Groot were 1st & 2nd after 4 races.

For those of us that have raced in La Baule many times over the years the general ‘rule of thumb’ is to head for the beach. This mainly pays because of wind pressure, slight tidal advantage and also favourable shifts, but occasionally boats that go further out to sea can finish up strong, so with wind shifts of up to 40 degrees, its never over till its over 🙂

My team on GBR 818 “True Story” started with 5, 5, 5 & 2, so we thought our chances of retaining the title we won in 2022 were slim. However, my amazing crew of Olivier & Dominic Bakker (from Aalsmere) never gave up and with the help of a little Port Wine we finished the regatta with 1st, 1st & 1st.

Not only did this surprise the opposition but it also nearly gave me a heart attack 🙂 Seriously though, racing with the “Bakker” Boys is a complete joy, they have tremendous enthusiasm, endless energy and on the odd occasion voices are raised they are shouting in Dutch so I have absolutely no idea what they are taking about! 🙂

GBR 818 “True Story” Martin Payne with Olivier & Dominic Bakker win races 5,6 & 7.

Amongst the 35 competing teams there were 12 British Boats, 4 Dutch teams, 3 Begiums & 3 Irish which is the most number of travelling boats seen in La Baule since the pandemic. A great sight for all the many spectators and made for great “apres sail” banter in the Y.C.L.B. Going into the final race GBR 818 did not need to sail, but we decided to participate and give it our all. The other podium places were up for grabs and FRA 207, NED 309 and GBR 822 “Danish Blue” with Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen (The Man) all had a chance to make the top 3. In the end it was the experienced NED 309 “Furie’ with Guus de Groot at the helm who just sneaked past Fred in FRA 207 at the finish to secure the runners up spot for the second year in succession. FRA 207 finished 3rd overall just beating the “Man” by a single point.

NED 309 Guus de Groot finished 2nd & FRA 207 Fred Gourlaquen was 3rd overall.

4th overall and still performing at the highest level was GBR 822 “Danish Blue (Pink & White Spinnaker) Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen, crewed by Katie Cole and BDA Secretary Chris Brittain. Many thanks to our President du Committee’ Helene PRUD’HOMME (photo above) and to Didier Greze the President of the Jury. Didier made a special presentation to the Nora Rossignol as the youngest competitor in the competition sailing with her Father Philippe and Mother Estelle on FRA 390 “Eostic”.

This was a truly amazing week of fun, beautiful weather, great tactical sailing and above all friendship.

Higher, Faster, Longer……..   Stavros.   GBR 818.