RP_140911_GOLDCUP_330A (640x428)Pieter Heerema takes the winning gun in Race 5 of 2014 Dragon Gold Cup, Medemblik.

This superb photo (again taken by Ricardo Pinto) captures the moment Pieter Heerema helmed NED 412 to victory, crewed by Theis Palm & Claus Olesen.

Claus told me after the excellent 3 hour race with a 2.6 mile first beat !  ” We did not take the lead until the second beat as Lawrie Smith GBR 785, had been exceptionally fast down wind. But we managed to get ahead and protect our lead even though Lawrie came close again on the second run. In the end we won by 50m or so and we were all delighted”…

With Lawrie Smith crewed by Petticrows owner, Tim Tavinor and Dutch Professional Joost Houweling, finishing 2nd, it moves this former World Champion into the runner’s up position overall. However, Markus Wieser managed to record a 3rd place and move a step closer to retaining this magnificent cup as he takes a 13 point lead into the final day…

RP_140911_GOLDCUP_339AMarkus Wieser finishing 3rd yesterday to take a 13 point lead into the final day !!!

With UAE 8 helmed by Yevgeni Braslavets having another good race yesterday the UAE boats (both Petticrows) just have Lawrie Smith in between them to spoil a complete “Tansbunker” domination….

However, 2 years ago a certain Mr Smith held a 25pt lead in Kinsale’s Gold Cup and Mr Tommy Muller managed to produce something very special on the last day to upset Lawrie’s celebrations….   Is it destiny that Lawrie does the same to Markus in the final race of this fantastic Gold Cup ??

Let the final show begin !  Will it be Markus, Lawrie or Yevgeni this year ?

Higher, Faster, Longer………….   Stavros (GER 1102).