Happy winners Mark Hart, Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, Nigel Kaula team “Jerboa”.
It was a truly nail-biting finish yesterday on the final day of the 2013 Regates Royal, as the PRO caught many of the fleet by surprise with an 11.00am start. As the wind all week had been from the south in the form of a sea breeze, it came as a complete surprise to find a steady easterly had kicked in allowing for an “on time” start! No one was more surprise than ITA 56 who were probably still celebrating their fantastic “win” of a all expenses paid holiday for 6 people to the wonderful Island of Mauritius, as they were too late for the 11am start! However, the rest of the fleet did make it on time and sailed two very nice races in wind ranging from 8 to 10 kts.
With every place counting it came down to a final race for the trophy between RUS 31, RUS 27 and GBR 761. In the end despite having to take a penalty turn at the first top mark, GBR 761 helmed by Gavia Wilkinson-Cox took the title on count-back from RUS 31 Mikhail Senatorov, with RUS 27 Anatoloy Loginov 3rd. It was a nail-biting finish as the final race had so many “up’s and down’s”, but in the end Gavia and her crew of Mark Hart and Nigel Kaula won through. It was a fitting reward for Gavia as she is one of the most determined and passionate Dragon Sailors in the World and year after year puts in many hours both on the road and on the water to achieve this much deserved success.
Cannes is offering a very nice Winter programme that will also involve races in Italy and with the lure of the Europeans in San Remo next March (2014), many boats will choose to keep their boats at the Yacht Club de Cannes. Space within the club has been increased and the many helpers and volunteers make craning in/out and parking very manageable. Well done to all the members for running such a smooth and enjoyable regatta.
Top 5 overall. 1st GBR 761. 2nd RUS 41. 3rd RUS 27. 4th GBR 375. 5th GBR 789.
Higher, Faster, Longer……….. Stavros. (GBR 789).