Winners of Derby Dragon, GBR 585 “Full Speed”, Olivier & Dominic Bakker with Martin Payne.
Having fun in the sun with 31 Dragons is what La Baule is all about. The support from the Y.C.L.B. members and organisers of the annual Derby Dragon is second to none. From the moment you meet for breakfast at the club and the assistance when leaving the secure inner harbour, to the on the water comradery and wonderful racing atmosphere created by all the colourful competitors, La Baule has it all….
This was my 15th time in La Baule and it never disappoints. The club offer such a warm welcome to all competitors and there is never a dull moment. The courses were well set with good starting lines and a quick turn around between races. Huge thanks to my excellent crew Dominic & Olivier Bakker for guiding us to success and putting up with my hangover’s 🙂
A great “Pin End” start from NED 309 “Furie”, Guus de Groot helped him to victory in race 8.
2nd overall was the strong team from Holland, NED 309 “Furie” helmed by Guus de Groot, crewed by Richard Van Rij and Haj Winters. Guus told me he has been coming to La Baule since 2008 and always looks forward to his Derby Dragon week. 3rd went to last years winners FRA 365 “Ar Youleg” Christian Guyader, Gwen Chapalain & Arthur Le Vaillant.
3rd Overall FRA 365 Christian Guyader, Gwen Chapalain & Arthur Le Vaillant.
Special mention must also go to FRA 421 “Revolte” Alain Lathioor, Francios Balogh & Loic Le Garrec with their 4th place overall. Plus GBR 633 “Fei-lin’ Flirtation” helmed by Ron James, crewed by Ian Turbull & Peter Aitken who finished 5th. Both of these teams won a race and were consistently at the top end of the fleet…
FRA 421 “Revolte” finished 4th overall, Alain Lathioor, Francois Balogh & Loic Le Garrec.
The final evening was well attended and Y.C.L.B. certainly know how to throw a party… 50 boats are expected next year and the dates have already been decided, so make a note in your diaries if you want to join the fun in 2018.
Registration & Launching will be on Tuesday 22nd May, with races from Weds 23rd to Sat 26th. This will allow competitors to travel home on the Sunday 27th, a perfect itinerary in the most perfect place to go Dragon Sailing!
My “Full Speed” Team with many of the Y.C.L.B. Organisers… A huge MERCI to you all 🙂
Higher, Faster, Longer……… Stavros. GBR 585.
P.S Thanks again to Jean-Michel Roy for these wonderful photo’s.