Superb Finale to the Regates Royal…

Cannes Prize Giving the Winners RUS 27 “Annapurna” & Runners Up GBR 770 “Storm”.

with Vadim Statsenko, Anatoly Loginov, Alexander Shalagin with Frederic, David, Lynette & Jonathan Brown.

RUS 27 Dominate the racing in Cannes, Anatoly, Vadim and Alexander in full flow…

The 38th Regates Royal has been won by RUS 27 “Annapurna” helmed by Anatoly Loginov, crewed by Vadim Statsenko & Alexander Shalagin after 5 wonderful days of “shorts & T shirts” sailing over 10 races, with one discard. In the end the current European Champions won by 15 points, but they were pushed all the way by GBR 770 “Storm” sailed by the “Brown” Family helmed by Jonathan, crewed by Frederic with Mum Lynette & Dad David.

Runners Up GBR 770 “Storm”  Jonathan, Lynette, David & Frederic Brown…

This was a special result for the Brown Family as they continue to improve with their 4 person “team” which is growing ever more popular in both the Dragon and Etchells Class. It gives an extra pair of “Eyes” to help with tactics and of course “Hands” at each under pressure manoeuvre! In addition it now allows “smaller” teams to reach the allocated 285 kg weight limit, to offer all sailors a chance to compete on a level playing field.  🙂

GBR 770 “Storm” make full use of their successful 4 crew to secure another top result.

In 3rd place overall was another “relatively” new team representing Spain. Yes ESP 71 “Gunter” helmed by Javier Scherk, crewed by Gustavo Lima & Paulo Manso continue to sail at a very high standard and thoroughly deserved their “podium” finish in this top quality 50 boat fleet…

Another Podium place for ESP 71 “Gunter”, Gustavo Lima, Paulo Manso & Javier Scherk. 3rd Overall.

Also having a fantastic week to finish in 4th place overall was GER 1140 “Smaug” helmed by current German Champion Nicola Friesen, crewed by Vincent Hoesch and Michi Lip. This team held the early lead during the regatta and were never out of the top 20 (excluding their discard) in the 10 race series, showing once again that consistency is the name of the game.

GER 1140 “Smaug” Top Lady Helm & 4th Overall, Nicola Firesen, Vincie Hoesch & Michi Lip.

The 2016 French Championship was sailed within the Regates Royal and although this is an “Open” Championship, therefore Anatoly Loginov is the winner, there was also great rivalry between the numerous French Teams to be at the top of the tree :-). One French Team who just keep getting better and better is FRA 420 “Outlaw” helmed by one of our IDA Vice Chairman’s Stephane Baseden, crewed by Pascal Rambeau & Patrick Aucour. Not only did they finish in 5th place overall, but are now officially the best French Team of 2016.

Top French Team 5th Overall, FRA 420 “Outlaw” Stephane Baseden, Pascal Rambeau & Patrick Aucour.

On the final night the 50 International Teams were treated to another magnificent Champagne party at the Palm Beach Casino, with top entertainment, fine local wines and many buffet tables offering traditional French cuisine. A great time was had by all.

Many thanks once again to all the helpers and volunteers of the Yacht Club de Cannes, in particular Gerard Blanc and Karine Grene’ for their organisation on and off the water. The 2016 Regates Royal saw Cannes at its very best 🙂

The sailing in Cannes was held in the most “Amazing” conditions. “Short’s & T Shirts” !

Higher, Faster, Longer……..   Stavros.   (Sailing with Ted Sawyer in GBR 789).

Thanks once again to Michael Kurtz, from Pantaenius, for providing these exceptional photographs, taken with skill & precision….