Pedro Andrade Wins Douarnenez Grand Prix…

DEN 410 “Out of Bounce” Pedro Andrade, Kim Andersen & Anders Bagger. 

The 2nd IDA Grade 1 took place May 4th to 7th hosted by the “Society’ des Regates de Douarnenez” with 32 top teams competing in the most fantastic conditions at this popular International Sailing venue. Since it’s inauguration by the late Louis Urvois over 22 years ago Douarnenez has provided many memorable regatta’s with sometimes up to 100 Dragons participating. The fleet experienced 6 quality races over 3 days, with only the final day cancelled through lack of wind, but a great time was had by all.

Champagne sailing conditions for all 6 races in the beautiful Douarnenez Bay.

Winning helm Pedro Rebelo de Andrade gave a sincere speech at prize giving reflecting over past years, where several of the integral organisers are sadly no longer with us. He said “It is a true honour for me to win this “Louis Urvois” Trophy and proudly take it home to Portugal. It will be on display to remind me every day of the people who made Douarnenez the sailing venue it is today. In memory of Louis and Annie Ravach who were the creators this wonderful event and sadly, more recently Anne Chapalain, I hold this victory close to my heart”. Pedro went on to say “I want to thank my crew Kim Andersen & Anders Baggar who although they have won this event before with the owner of DEN 410 Jens Christensen, it is the 1st time for me!” He also thanked all the helpers and volunteers for delivering a fantastic event.

2nd overall was SUI 318 “1 Quick 1” Wolf Waschkuhn, Joao Vindinha & Charles Nankin (right on the podium).

SUI 318 continues to sail at the front of the fleet since winning the Europeans 4 weeks ago and Wolf Waschkuhn spoke in French to sum up his experience in Douarnenez on stage when he, Charles and Joao received their prizes… “Plan d’eau exceptionel, regate magnifique, a la prochaine” This speaks for itself, but a basic translation is “Exceptional body of water, magnificent regatta, see you next time”… Sometimes, as my Father used to say… Less is more 🙂

In 3rd place overall was GER 1207 “Khaleesi” helmed by Nicola Friesen, crewed by Vincie Hoesch and Kilian Weise. Nicola won the opening race and put together a very good series, which is no doubt helped by the practice she gets down in Vilamoura through each winter. Great to see a Lady Helm on the podium, many congratulations.

3rd overall GER 1207 “Khaleesi” Vincie Hoesch, Nicola Friesen & Kilian Weise.

Although no Corinthian teams finished in the top 10, in a very creditable 11th place overall and Top Corinthian Team was NED 309 “Furie” helmed by Guus de Groot, crewed by Hay Winters & Richard van Rij. This well respected team always support Douarnenez and enjoyed being back on the water after a long break. NED 309 is a beautiful cold moulded Petticrows and you always know where Guus is on the race course from the smell of his cigars 🙂

Top Corinthians..  NED 309. Hay Winters, Guus de Groot & Richard van Rij.

2nd placed Corinthians overall was GER 1251 “Puck” helmed by Philip Dohse, crewed by his wife Nicola, Simon Kosog & Volker Kramer. This 4 person team have sailed through the winter in several series at Puerto Portals, Mallorca. They also attend many International regatta’s during the season and really deserved this podium place.

2nd Corinthian Team Volker Kramer, Simon Kosog, Nicola & Philip Dohse.

The 3rd placed Corinthian Team was FRA 368 “Cloud Nine” helmed by Michael Mahe, crewed by Georges Ardeois & Sebastian Wairy. This strong team from Y.C.L.B. certainly would have been on “Cloud Nine” in the first race as they led around the top mark and the first leeward gate, to finish a very creditable 3rd place in race 1. Well done.

3rd Corinthians overall, Mikael Mahe, Georges Ardeois & Sebastian Wairy (front right on the prize winners final podium)!

Pierre Perrot the President of the Societe’ des Regates de Douarnenez told me the club are looking to re-build and increase the numbers of Dragons over the coming years and once again put Douarnenez back on the International map. With the Gold Cup already awarded to Douarnenez for the summer of 2025 there is no doubt the great Louis Urvois will be smiling from above.

In my opinion, there is no better place for a large fleet of Dragons to sail than in Douarnenez when races are held in the middle of the bay during the afternoon “thermal” westerly breezes.

On behalf of all competitors I want to thank the Race Committee Team led by President du Course Didier Cozic, the President du Jury Yves Leglise & Photographer Simon Jourdan from SR Douarnenez for the excellent action photo’s…

Higher, Faster, Longer……   Stavros (On the Committee Boat).