Yes Campers, Portugal is bracing itself for the biggest turn-out of Dragons since the Gold Cup a few years ago in Cascais. As I look out of my Hotel window I can see fourteen RC44’s competing out in the bay off Estoril as they complete their Match Race event. Later today they race out on Cascais famous sailing area in a fleet race… This is exactly where 40+ Dragons will compete next week in the Grade 1 Juan Carlos Trophy 4-7th April. As a warm up the Club Naval de Cascais are putting on the Spring Cup, 1st-3rd. This is a brand new event and takes the place of when we all used to travel to Palma, before the price of the Transmediterranea Ferries and the attitude of the Palma Club towards the Dragons slowly lost the favour of our sailors…. It was a pity, but everything moves on.
So the magnificent Juan Carlos is up for grabs and as a previous winner in 2000 and 2002 I can tell you it is a fantastic privilege to hold up this “Huge” trophy at Prize Giving and be photographed with such history in your hands…. Who will win it this year Campers ???? Last years winner Tommy Muller will be trying, so will all the best Russian Sailors, the current European Champion Jens Christensen will also be trying, as will numerous other top Dragons from 10 different Nations… Watch this space for daily updates.. and if anyone of you out there still fancies a late entry and a chance to race against the best sailors in the World, then a few Dragons are still available for charter…. give me a call +44 7788 587017
Higher, Faster, Longer…….. From Sunny Portugal……….. Stavros.