British Dragon Association

It was with some apprehension that we arrived in La Baule for the third year. Surely we couldn't expect another year of wall to wall sunshine and offshore breezes? The thought of a 30 knot south westerly with no prospect of getting back to harbour for 6 hours didn't appeal – particularly since the Burnham fleet had such high expectations after last year's write-up by yours truly.

This year five RCYC dragons and four Medway boats made the trek down to La Baule. Those of us who enjoy a good dinner on Brittany ferries travelled to St. Malo whilst those who liked the French roads travelled via Calais. All arrived safely although Nigel was convinced he had broken a half-shaft but in spite of an unhelpful garage in St. Nazaire all proved to be OK.

Our friends at Yacht Club La Baule (YCLB) gave us a very warm reception. Francoise greeted us as long lost friends – 3 kisses and trios bieres later we were ready for rigging!

By Tuesday the weather had really warmed up and the forecast looked great for the week – but would there be enough wind? That evening we were officially welcomed by the Mayor and dignatories at the Royal Hotel. Once again the generosity of the sponsors was reflected in the magnificent canapés and ample champagne.

Wednesday we assembled at the Yacht Club – flags fluttered in the light breeze so we anticipated enough wind to sail.

This year with high tides later in the day meant that we had a leisurely start and late finish to the racing. Once again the wind was in the North East and the windward marks were placed 100 yards off the beach. This made for the usual tricky laying of the mark as the wind flicked by as much as 30 degrees close to the shore.

In brilliant sunshine and light winds we completed 3 races on the first day with Louis Urvois gaining two firsts and Olaf Sorensen with Stavros winning the first race. Mark, Mandy and John kept the British flag flying by getting a 2nd, 3rd and 6th. We returned to the pontoons by early evening after what most described as “Champagne Sailing”.

The magnificent hospitality of the YCLB was once again heaped upon the 40 participants. A massive Paella was provided and after much wine and beer we retired to our apartments exhausted from much sun and a great day's sailing.

The pattern for day 2 was much the same – winds N.E. force 2-3 but by race 6 the wind died away completely and many of us didn't get to the finish line before the time limit. Today was the day for the French, with Startigenn helmed by Yves Pajot, the celebrated Olympic sailor, and Dirastarch taking the top 2 places. Once again it was a late finish and back to the Yacht Club for another great meal. After much wine tasting we were entertained by Jean Paul's rendition of the “Barber of Seville”. Simon Winn of the Medway fleet replied with “She'll be coming round the Mountain when she comes” but somehow it didn't have quite the same operatic charm!

A leisurely start on Friday allowed us time to visit the old town of La Baule and wander along the 10 mile beach. Once again it was hot with cloudless skies. A sea breeze from the South West meant that the windward mark wasn't so tricky. This was the day for the Germans with Georg Haindl and his cousin Vincie Hoesch gaining two firsts and a 6th. By the end of the day Yves Pajot in Startigenn and Georg Haindl in Lola were lying within a point or two of winning the regatta. However Mark, Mandy and John were up there and fighting in the top 3. In spite of exasperating wind changes and several general recalls we managed to get in 3 races and returned to La Baule by bumping our way over the sand bar.

That evening was the Brits party on our balcony in Pierre et Vacances. Mary Makey and Mandy Wade helped by Zoe and Kate prepared a fantastic meal for 30. The conversation naturally turned to who would win the La Baule clanger on the last day. This award somehow got called “Lobodile” – apparently a cross between a Lobster and a Crocodile and this was awarded to the Sowrys for getting locked out of their apartment and spending a night in their car.

The inflatable Crocodile was last seen at the mast head of Fei-lin Flirtation but we never found out what they did to deserve it.

Saturday had to be an early start but there's nothing like a leisurely sail to sort out a hangover.

The race started in a nice force 2-3 but it wasn't long before the wind dropped and half the fleet didn't finish. Once again Lola (Vincie Hoesch and Georg Haindl) came first which clinched the championship for them.

We packed the boats up in the afternoon and that evening after the prize giving were wined and dined at a local restaurant by the YCLB. R

eflecting on another week in La Baule we all agreed it was one of the best regattas on the circuit. Marvellous hospitality and friendships built on and off the water.

Congratulations have to go to Mark, Mandy and John for their 3rd overall and to Ganador, Spindrift and Tsunami for being in the top half of the fleet. For those interested in the detailed results they are on the YCLB web site but below is a summary of the top 3 and the results of the UK boats.

1st	Lola	Vincent Hoesch
2nd	Startigenn	Yves Pajot
3rd	Avalanche	Mark, Mandy and John

8th	Scimitar	Claire and Julian Sowry and Tim Tavinor
12th	Ganador	Martin, Matt and Kate
15th	Spindrift	Gary, Tom and Zoe
18th	Tsunami	Nigel, Rene and Woody
19th	Warrior	John Thornton
22nd	BBC	Philip, Peter and Bruce
26th	Fei-lin Flirtation	Ron, Julie and Dr. Jenny
29th	Alcyone	Simon Winn Chris and David
30th	Esoteric	Rob Sheppard, Don and Simon
35th	Seafire	David, Simon and Chris

Author: David Crabb

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