Marblehead Trophy in Vilamoura.

2019 Marblehead “Podium” in St Petersburg.

Over the next 3 days (Oct 28th-31st) 15 top teams will represent their Yacht Club’s to compete for the famous Marblehead Trophy in Vilamoura. With several European Countries on the verge of a second National Lockdown teams from Spain, Turkey, Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Portugal and the Netherlands have taken the opportunity to travel to the Algarve whilst respecting Covid-19 restrictions.

Although this is not an IDA event we are privileged to have this prestigious trophy raced for in the Dragon Class. The Marblehead Trophy is steeped in history and was held for many years by the famous Tommy Muller of Germany. More recently over the past four years it was won by Jorgen Schonherr, Jens Christensen, Anatoly Loginov and last year by St Petersberg’s Dmitry Samokhin (see photo above).

The Prestigious Marblehead Trophy, will be won over the next 3 days, in Vilamoura.

As the “Deed of Gift” allows the winner to host the event each year, Dmitry had to look for an alternative venue due to major refurbishment at the Herkules Yacht Club Marina in St Petersburg, so he decided to hold the event in Vilamoura run by Vilamoura Sailing. In charge of the regatta is International Race Officer Nino Shmueli who is respected throughout the World. Nino will also stay on in Vilamoura to run the Portuguese Grand Prix and Finals, which due to the Covid Pandemic, will be the only IDA Grade 1 event of 2020 (November 2nd to 7th).

Although just 15 Dragons, there is a wealth of experience and top quality sailors, with European, World and Olympic Medalists scattered amongst the fleet. It’s the who’s who of the Dragon World and may the best team win. To find out which Yacht Club will win and host the 2021 event, keep watching for more reports…

Higher, Faster, Longer…..  Stay Safe,   Stavros.

p.s.  My thanks to Elena Razina & Vilamoura Sailing for the photo’s.