Over 30 boats have now assembled for the second of the important Grade 1 ranking events on the 2011 International Dragon Calendar…….With 25 degree’s forecast for today and a cloudless sky, many of the Northern European teams will be very glad to be away from the sub-zero temperatures at home! An impressive number of Russian boats have made the long trip directly from San Remo to join the strong competition of numerous top sailors who have wintered their boats in Cascais since October.
To mention a few likely contenders for this much sought after trophy are GER 10 helmed by former World Champion Tommy Muller and crewed by his “Bavarian Dream Team”, let’s hope they are not dreaming this week! Also straight here from the Italian Championship is the Gold Cup winner of 2010 RUS 27 Anatoloy Loginov, with Alex and Andrey guiding him expertly around the testing race course. Not to be left out of the running and winner of the last two Cascais events is RUS 96 Mikhail Muratov.
There are too many other contenders and hopefuls to mention. But one thing is for sure, whichever team hold this magnificent trophy aloft on Sunday at the prize giving in the Clube Naval, after 8 races in this great series, will be worthy champions. Their are many fantastic sailors here so all we need is the wind to deliver the usual glorious sailing conditions that Portugal is famous for………….
After a formal and very successful visit by His Royal Highness Prince Charles on Tuesday to support the tremendous set-up and facilities the Clube Naval has for the Handicapped Sailors, the scene is set for a truly memorable regatta. Bring it on Cascais…………………..
Higher, Faster, Longer…………… Stavros. (GBR 648).