Great weather at the Cannes Grand Prix, providing the 45 boats with exciting racing.
Since the light wind race on the first day, 3 more races have been completed in wind ranging from 10 to 25 kts, testing the 45 competitive teams and boats to the limit. Leading this competitive field after 4 races is UAE 8 “Bunker Prince” helmed by the current World Champion, Yevgeni Braslavets, crewed by Deigo Negri & Vittorio Zaoli. Counting three top 5 results and an 11th place, puts Yevgeni 6 points clear of America’s Cup Helmsman Andy Beadsworth sailing TUR 1212 “Josephine”.
TUR 1212 “Josephine” makes an excellent start in the middle of the line today to Win Race 4.
Since winning the 4th Winter Series in Cascais, this beautifully restored Pedersen & Thuessen Dragon has been sailed brilliantly by Andy, Simon Fry and this week by 5 time Olympian Gustavo Lima. Tomorrow’s final two races will be a perfect showdown between “Bunker Prince” & “Josephine”.
Currently standing in 3rd place overall is RUS 35 “Sunflower” helmed by Victor Folgelson who is showing great skill and determination as he recovers from a successful hip operation and struggles with a bad back.. Crewed by the great Finn legend Oleg Khoperskiy & Kaptiukhin Viacheslaw this Russian team will fight hard to keep their “podium” position.
A recalled start today, some boats were simply too eager to sheet on their sails & hike hard.
Leading the Corinthian Sailors is FIN 91 “Paloma” helmed by Sami Salomaa, crewed by Michael Wilhelmson and Kalle Phil. Sami is not only a top sailor but is well know for his epic “Cray Fish” regatta held every August just outside Helsinki. This event provides competitive sailing with exquisite cuisine…. 🙂
The popular Estonian Team on EST 17 round the spreader mark today in good shape…
Tomorrow will hopefully see 2 final races, as the forecast is for a perfect day, to conclude this excellent Grade 1 event.
My thanks to Jehan Lerin for these excellent photo’s..
Higher, Faster, Longer………….. Stavros. (GBR 789).