Michael Zankel GER 1123, helmed skilfully through the difficult 3m waves yesterday to record two 1st places on the opening day of the 5th Winter Series here in Cascais. With his crew of Stefan Waak and Phillipp Moses Blinn, the “Pow Wow” team led both races from start to finish.
Jose’ Matos POR 55, crewed by his winning European Championship team of Gustavo Lima and Frederico Melo, had to settle for 2nd place overall after they recorded a well deserved 2nd and 3rd respectively. In 3rd place overall after the first day is POR 50 Pedro Mendes Leal who battled well to record a 5th and 2nd place.
Newcomers to the class (from Cowes), Matt Alexander, John Raymond and Alexander Shaw sailed well despite the difficult conditions, showing some good upwind speed in their chartered boat. It’s great to see new sailors join our class each year as word spreads of the fun we have the places we visit and the tough competition within every fleet all over the world.
However, the weather has not been kind to Europe this winter, as continual, relentless gales batter our shores and towns day after day. But as the world continues to see extreme climate changes it’s good to know Dragon Sailors still stand up to be counted… With winter fleets in both Cannes and Cascais many nations have been well represented throughout the events. Now we can look forward to a jam packed 2014 calendar, feeling the excitement for the coming season grow.
We have back to back Grade 1 events in both Cannes (Feb 26-Mar 1st) and Cascais (Mar 6-9th), before the Europeans in San Remo with over 80 boats already registered ! So fellow Dragon Sailors, if you are still sat at home feeling sorry for yourselves in the snow, rain, fog and extreme gales… You know where to come….. 🙂
Higher, Faster, Longer………. Stavros. (GBR 771).