NED 412 “No Way Back” Wins in Deauville….

NED 412 “Troika” leads the fleet in Deauville.

Following on from my “half-way” report on Saturday, two more races were completed in Deauville on Sunday, both won by the overall winning team aboard NED 412. Yesterday (Monday 28th) the wind gods were not co-operating and with strong spring tides to fight against, it was decided to cancel racing. Never-the-less, all 15 teams taking part in the “Linkers” Open International de Deauville were very happy to crane their boats out early after a truly memorable regatta both on and off the water.

The magnificent new “Deauville Yacht Club” adjacent to the towns twin towers.

Inside the new clubhouse sailors and friends enjoyed a fantastic supper, talking through the events of the day and looking forward to more social gatherings as restrictions begin to ease. During the evening the sponsors Linkers announced its project to restore the worlds oldest Dragon “Galejan” built in 1929! (Certificate is June 1st 1929) The aim is to have “Galejan” renovated and ready to sail in 2028 for the 100th Anniversary of the Deauville Yacht Club. Also to participate in the 100th Anniversary of our wonderful Dragon Class, a year later in 2029…. Galejan is currently at Noirmoutier Island, in the Bay of Biscay.

Gala Dinner inside the Deauville Yacht Club where the “Galejan” project was announced.

8 races were completed in mainly light airs, allowing for 1 discard. NED 412 counted 2,1,1,1,2,1,1, discarding a 4th place finishing on just 9pts giving Pieter, Lars Hendriksen and George Leonchuk a convincing overall victory. Winning skipper Pieter Heerema told me “This was our first time to Deauville, a beautiful town clearly with proud inhabitants as the houses are all well maintained and of fitting architecture. The new club house is a gem, blending in nicely with the surroundings. The tidal current is a special issue here and the doors to the sea open only at certain times meaning the whole fleet needs to be towed out and back in simultaneously. The people of DYC are very efficient herewith. We had light winds, good courses and wise decisions by the Race Officer (Patrick Villette). All in all a very pleasant way of starting up again after Covid limitations. We look forward to coming back!” Well said Pieter, I also look forward to joining in the fun at next years event…

NED 412 receive their prizes from the Linkers Sponsors & DYC President Eric Le Bon.

2nd overall was NED 438 “Douzement” helmed by Jan Bakker, crewed by sons Dominic and Olivier. This experienced team won two races and after discard finished on just 20pts, a good showing from this top family who live life to the full..

Eric Le Bon presents 2nd Overall NED 438 Dominic & Jan. (Olivier Missing).

In 3rd place overall and top French Team was FRA 391 “Ulysse” helmed by Jean Breger, crewed by Denys Vaner and Christian Gout. Jean and his team from Port Camargue will be looking forward to hosting an IDA Grade 1 event in 2022, Port Camargue is selected as one of the four Grand Prix’s next year. Meanwhile, all Dragons are invited to test out their skills at this great new venue later this year Oct 14th-17th, when the South of France Championship will take place.

3rd overall FRA 391 “Ulysse” Jean Breger & Denys Vaner. (Christian Gout missing).

This was a great event sailed in good spirits on and off the water. Deauville is certainly a place well worth visiting and it was good to see so many travelling teams making the effort to support Eric Le Bon and the many helpers and volunteers.

Tight racing in Deauville over the 3 racing days…

Many thanks to all, especially the sponsors, as without their support, events like this would be difficult to organise. Congratulations to all the podium teams and well done to all competitors…

Higher, Faster, Longer….   Stavros.   (also missing on this occasion).

P.S. Special Thanks to Lars Hendriksen for most of these superb photo’s both on and off the water..