ROCKNROLLA
RUS 76 the new boat of Dmitry Samokhin, crewed by Andrey Kirilyuk & Alexsey Bushuev Win the Grand Prix Guyader. Congratulations to this fantastic team….
Make no mistake about it, Douarnenez is back! We had 4 fantastic days of sailing with 9 races completed in this legendary Dragon venue started by Louis Urvois many years ago….
The “Great” Louis Urvois who created the Douarnenez Legacy.
The “Fun” and “Friendship” came flooding back into this wonderful Brittany Town offering sailing at the highest level in it’s beautiful West facing bay.. Those of us lucky enough to have attended this particular regatta over the past 17 years, have seen many high’s and a few low’s (due to difficult weather conditions and some mediocre race management decisions).. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives and Douarnenez will once again be one of the “Premier” events on the IDA calendar.. (Regaining it’s Grade 1 status in 2018).
Principle Sponsor Christian Guyader (FRA 365) enjoys the fantastic racing in Douarnenez.
After losing all day Friday (too much wind), RUS 76 (Dmitry Samokhin) held the narrowest of leads over TUR 1212 (Andy Beadsworth) and GBR 813 (Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen) going into the final day.
However, with the recent Juan Carlos winners (Provezza) and “The Man” (Poul-Richard) breathing down his neck Dmitry was not going to be able to just “Rock-n-Roll” :-). He had to dig deep and fight hard and that is exactly what his brilliant team of Andrey Kirilyuk (Tactician) and Alexsey Bushuev (Biggest-Man-In-Russia) did. They won race 8! But it was still not over… as the “Man” (Double Olympic Gold Medalist & Dragon Supremo) was fully at the races as he powered to finish with a 2nd & 1st place to keep the pressure on Dmitry until the very end… But Dmitry finished with a 4th place to seal the victory…
Runners Up in the Grand Prix Guyander
“Danish Blue”GBR 813.
Katie Cole, with Poul-Richard and Andrew (Noddy) Norden take 2nd overall in Douarnenez.
Finishing in 3rd place was the Dragon team “Provezza” TUR 1212, helmed by Andy Beadsworth, crewed by Simon Fry and Ali Tezdiker (Owner). This new team have a great competitive spirit and currently lead the International Ranking List for 2017.
Another Podium Position for Team “Provezza” TUR 1212. Andy, Simon and Ali Tezdiker.
With 3 brand new boats on the podium it was very pleasing for my team & I in GBR 585 “Full Speed” to finish in 4th place. To have a 25 year old boat still competing at the highest level must be good for the class and sends a positive message to other classes that the Dragon is one of the premier “One Design” boats throughout the World….
25 yr old, “Full Speed” with the fantastic Bakker Boy’s (Dominic and Olivier) keep me focused 🙂
In 5th place overall and also the 2017 French Champion is FRA 401 helmed by Gerry Trentesaux, crewed by Eric Brezellec, Jean Queveux and Christian Ponthieu. Gerry has certainly made a fantastic impact on the French Fleet since only taking up Dragon racing in the middle of 2016 ! Yes, although very experienced in other classes, Gerry has taken to the Dragon so well.. Many congratulations to the 4 man team on board FRA 401.
FRA 401 makes another good start. They are the French Champions for 2017 & 5th Overall.
A special mention must also go to GBR 791 “Christiana” helmed by Oliver Morgan, crewed by Jamie Lea and Duncan Grindley. Oliver has been racing Dragons for just over 4 years mainly in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. So to finish 6th overall in this competitive field is a great result….(their 2nd in the final race was the icing on the cake) 🙂
Top “Corinthian” team goes to the legendary Gus de Groot who whilst smoking at least 10 Cuban Cigars each day, managed to helm his beautiful cold moulded Petticrows around the course and into 7th overall.
NED 309 “Furie” Gus de Groot, Hay Winters & Richard Van Rig. Corinthian Champions.
During Prize Giving the “Man” Poul-Richard (Runner Up), said that both Louis & Annie, who are sadly no longer with us, would have been very proud of the Grand Prix Guyader this year. He asked that we all spread the word to encourage more sailors to participate again next and every year…
Whilst winning helm Dmitry Samokhin told me “Many thanks to everybody involved in organising the great event. Race Committee, Jury, on shore Team and all the Volunteers. The organising was brilliant and competition was strong. We are very proud and happy to stand here amongst the best Dragon Teams. See you next year”.
Well said both Dmitry & the Man……….
Higher, Faster, Longer……….. Stavros. (GBR 585).