I hope those of you Dragon Sailors all over the World, who have been viewing our “Blogs” each day on the IDA web page, are happy with this format here in Douarnenez. It has been a long first 3 days with very little time to sit and write my normal race information.. However, during this “Lay Day” I can bring you more up to date with what’s what, as everyone prepares for the main event. Starting from tomorrow (Weds) we have 7 races over 4 days, with one discard. The fleet size will now increase to just over 80 boats, which is a remarkable achievement for the Douarnenez organisers, showing once again how much the competitors love coming to “Louis’ ” home town here in Brittany………….
As I study the results of the “warm-up” regatta, and look back over the individual races, the Yellow and Blue Spinnaker’s of the Transbunker Team boats continue to set the early pace… Lars not only sail’s fast and very fair, but he is one of the most skillful and successful helmsmen the class has ever seen. With his professional crew of George Leonchuk & Igor Siderov they have really shown great speed and consistency. He will certainly be one of the favourites to lift the Grand Prix Trophy on Saturday night at the final prize giving dinner and lottery….
Meanwhile his team mate Evgeniy Braslavets who has finished 2nd overall will continue to give Lars a run for his money, as will Marcus Wieser who helms the other Ukrainian Dragon. These three boats sponsored by Transbunker continue to raise the standard of Dragon racing to another level… It will certainly make for some spectacular sailing to see if anyone else can stop these three teams from dominating the podium places!!!
The most likely candidates to take up the challenge will be last years winner’s Tommy Muller and his “Bavarian Dream Team” (all smartly dressed in their Bavarian Blue sailing kit). Also the current World Champion Lawrie Smith will be hoping to start his campaign where he left off in Melbourne where he took the title…. Can he do it ?? Another contender is Richard Lynn who has once again made the long trip over from Australia to take part in this wonderful event.
To be honest there are just too many good sailors to predict the outcome, so I suggest you follow the event step be step with me on the video each day as I interview the races winners or with my daily blog’s…. Either way I’ll try to keep you all posted……
Higher, Faster, Longer…. Stavros. (USA 310).