On day three of the 25th Drag’s Cup the French Meteo finally lifted the BMS so that the 29 Dragons could take to the inviting fresh water of Lac Cazaux.. With a forecast of 10 – 12 kts, the PRO Yves Leglise managed to complete 4 races in shifty winds that eventually moved a complete 180 degree’s by the end of the day..

In race one, the “Bear” (Martin Payne), took control after a committee boat end start, to lead at the top mark and continue to hold position until the end of the two upwind and two downwind legged course.

Race two saw a port biased line forcing several boats to tack immediately to clear the line. One boat making the most of a good clean start was “Legend” (Remy Arnaud) who was first out to the favoured right side and held a comfortable lead for the rest of the race.

In race three it was the turn of the “Tigger” Team, (Tim Tavinor), who made a great start at the PIN end and was never challenged despite several tricky moments. This brand new Petticrow is the 9th Dragon Nicola Wilton has owned and it made both Husband and Wife (Wilton’s) cheer up a bit after recording a Black Flag in race two !!

The final race of the day, race four, was won by Ulysse (Jean Breger), who made a clean start at the PIN and held his lead at the top mark to the end of a race in a dying breeze. Despite trying to make a 5th race the wind was just too unsettled, so at around 4pm the PRO cancelled racing and allowed the weary but happy teams to return to the harbour.

With another three races planned for today and an early 9am start, the “Bear” leads from “Arthur” by 6pts, with many other boats very close behind. The forecast is for light winds and after last nights festivities that maybe a blessing to many as 7.0am alarm clocks echo around various hotels 🙂

Higher, Faster, Longer………… Stavros. (Bear).