The “Cloud” rises from the sea to win in Cannes……2011.

Winning helm of “Cloud” ITA 56 Giuseppe Duca proudly holds the 2011 Trophee’ Panerai, flanked by his crew Jean Sebastian Ponce (left) and Guillaume Berenger (right).

Poul-Richard (far left) holds the runners up prize, whilst Anatoly Loginov and his crew take the 3rd prize………

Yes, Yes, Yes Campers….and for all those sailors who have never visited the every sunny Cannes, Friday was another beautiful day, with blue skies and a clear inviting blue sea. It should have also been the grand finale’ of a great regatta hosted by the Yacht Club de Cannes under the very experienced PRO Phllippe Faure, but alas it was not to be. Despite getting the 58 Dragons out to the race area early, to give the maximum opportunity of having a 7th and final race, the wind did not arrive sufficiently before the 14.00hrs cut-off time !

So for all of the frustrated competitors there was no deciding race, which was a pity as the top 4 boats (as I explained in my previous blog) were poised for a fantastic showdown…. However, the three smiling faces belonged to the Italian Giuseppe and his two French crew Jean Sebastian and Guillaume, who were at the top of the score sheet going into the final day. So when the inevitable “Three Guns” to signal time over, all that was left was for the cheers to echo around the bay of Gulf Juan as ITA 56 was confirmed worthy winners…..

Now at this point I will explain my Headline of “Cloud” rising from the sea….  Well this Petticrow Dragon was first owned by the KIN team headed by Simon Brien from Belfast, before it then moved south to race in Dublin Bay under new owners Mick Cotter and Claire Hogan. It then moved even further SOUTH when it was involved in a collision of masts during a windy Dublin Bay race and the boat was dragged around and sank… Yes Campers “Cloud” rested peacefully on the bottom of Dublin Bay until it was salvaged and bought back to resume it’s racing career now under the skillful hands of one proud Italian owner… And that my friends is another TRUE STORY……… 🙂

Another very proud owner is Tam Nguyen, pictured above, launching his brand new Doomernik Dragon. Not only did Tam finish a very creditable 28th in his first International Regatta, but it had a Royal Christening by HRH Prince Henrick of Denmark.

So finally Campers, fellow Sailors and everyone else out there reading these Blogs when completely board of life and nothing better to do…..  The show now rolls onto St Tropez for the next 50 boat International Dragon Regatta. It’s a tough Life (but someone has to do it).

Higher, Faster, Longer……………..   Stavros.   (HKG 55).