Match Racing in Cascais…..

This weekend will see the first “Match Race” event organised for 10 Dragon Teams. Some years ago, Poul-Richard used to organise “Triple” racing in Dragon’s usually based in Egypt….Also various “Team Racing” Dragon events happen at different locations, for example in Cowes and Ireland. But this will be the first time for a Match Race format.. I have chosen Cascais not only because I have three of my own boats down there, but the Clube Naval de Cascais have an excellent reputation for running such events.

Of the 10 invited teams to this premier event we will see experienced Dragon sailors like Vincent Hoesch, Anatoly Loginov, Martin Byrne, Tim Tavinor, Pieter Heerama, Martin Payne, take on the local experts like Henrique Anjos, Fillipe de Silva and Fransico Pinheiro and with a young up and coming Match Race Irishman George Kingston also in the mix, it will prove to be a test of both nerves and extreme boat handling! Although numbers had to be limited this year, it is hope that in the future more teams will be able to attend and thus making it an annual event for all…………………………….

We are lucky this year to have a World Grade 1 Umpire Miguel Allen from Northern Portugal who will oversee the competition and make sure everyone adheres to the rules. Each team will supply their own spinnaker as the boats will be supplied by Vincent, Tim, Fransisco and Myself……  Watch this space for the outcome of the three day event….      Higher, Faster, Longer, Closer………..

Stavros.  (In Cascais).