Stavros See's Some Summer Sights....

Yes, Yes, Campers.......

Here we go again with a brief light-hearted roundup of just a few of our Dragon events around Europe, during what we now know as Summer but feels more like a Siberian Winter..............

Both the UK and Irish Nationals have come and gone with two very worthy winners, who both used Quantum Sails and who both were born and bred in the land of the dark stuff ! Don O'Donoghue who originates from a most beautiful Southern Irish town called Glandore, destroyed an extremely strong GBR fleet in Plymouth. Winning the prestigious Edinburgh Cup with his loyal crew of Mark and Brian, with a race to spare. Indeed just to rub salt into our wounds, they stayed out for the final race and won that one too. Louis Urvois FRA sailed a very consistent series to finish 2nd with Gavia, Dr John and Mark in Jerboa a close 3rd. Len Jones finished 4th and Ted Sawyer in his twilight years a commendable 5th. We all wish Len GBR 708 and Gavia GBR 716 good luck in September's Vintage Games.

A few weeks later Martin Byrne IRL 201 snatched the Irish Championship Trophy from the hands of Dublin Bay's very own Johnny Ross Murphy. Neil Heggarty in Phantom finished 3rd. It was a well contested championship with another three teams all finishing on equal points, for 4th,5th and 6th place. They were Simon Brien, Jay Bourke and Cameron Good. Going into the last day most people assumed JRM had the regatta in the=2 0bag, as Martin Byrne needed to win the final two races. As the record will show, despite some close pre start attention from IRL 174, IRL 201 wriggled their way to great starts and a deserved Championship.

It's worth a note to say JRM only had 'Seabird' to race as Don was tied up with last minute work, but after winning the first two races, Don offered Johnny the boat for the rest of the series. Such is the measure of the man.......

Before I mention the Europeans and Cowes week, Densil, yes Densil went to his local job center explaining "I've come to find some work as I hate drawing benefits, its against my nature and I am not one of those people who prefer to take, take, take. I'd really rather have a Job."

"Well" said the social worker behind the counter, "Your timing is excellent. We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful nymphomaniac daughter. You'll have to drive around in his Mercedes all day, he'll supply all your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You'll be expected to escort the daughter on her overseas holiday trips. You will have to satisfy her sexual urges. You'll be provided a two-bedroom apartment above the garage. The starting salary is £200,000 a year"

Densil, wide-eyed, says " You're bullshitting me!"

The Social Worker says " Yeah, well..... you started it"

Cowes Week and the Europe ans clashed this year, as the Gold Cup will do in 2009. Pity, but with our ever busy Dragon program events will overlap from time to time...... However, those of us not making the long trip to Oslo, sailed 8 brilliant races in the difficult Solent, with more than enough wind to help with our progress over the strong tides. Julia Bailey, with help from her brother, her 9yr year old nephew (who said Dragons are only for us older sailors!) and Pedro, won the week by one point from Len Jones GBR 708. In 3rd place was an exciting new young team from Germany, Tillman and his crew raced one of the older Petticrow boats to prove once again how competitive ALL Dragons can be if the nut on the tiller points the boat in the right direction.... Eric Williams, with Katie and Joe sailed a superb week. As a light team in a windy event, they showed us all what 'Girl' power can do when motivated. Indeed, but for a small technicality, they would have been deservedly on the podium at prize giving.

At the Europeans word was that three boats disagreed with a couple of decisions after the first day of racing. However, I'm sure that did not spoil the fun for the remaining 60 plus boats who enjoyed their 90 min tow to and from the race course each day. I raced Solings in Oslo back in 1980 and remember how beautiful the scenery is in and around the fiords. Congratulations to the winning and runners up Russian teams and to Tommy Muller in 3rd.

Lastly, before I go and set up USA 310 down here in sunny Cascais, the Belgium Nationals! 35 boats raced last weekend in Ostend under the 'one and only' scrutiny of a Dragon Legend. Fred Imoff, just the name sends the blood surging through many sailors veins, offered his experienced services as the Race Officer. His cunning way of course configuration and management in the strong tidal flows, made the racing both exciting and challenging. Not since Charleton Heston, when he auditioned for his role in El Cid, was there ever a man made for an occasion such as this. Fred was the most smartest and hands on OOD I have ever sailed under, spending most of his time flying around in a yellow RIB making sure everything was running smoothly. His knowledge and expertise is second to none and he would certainly be my nomination if the IDA ever appoint a full time Race Officer.

As a Dragon Sailor I still recall Fred, Genoa out, Cigarette lit, sailing full speed down the line in Douarnenez on numerous 'Black Flag' starts! As a Race Officer he commands the same respect and got all 7 races away without using the Black Flag once.... So come on IDA, why not make Fred an offer he can't refuse? Giving us all great racing. All of the time.........................

The results of the Championship went right down to the wire and the last beat of the last race. Guus de Groot NED 309 won the race to win the event from Jerome BEL 54, with Gary Harrison GBR 712 a very well deserved 3rd. A superb event, not to missed.

In closing, one event I will be recommending to all in 2009 is Douarnenez. It will be the 10th anniversary seeing Louis dream of running the biggest Dragon event of the year. Rumor has it instead of the lottery of a new Dragon for 2009, Louis the proud new owner of the Hotel de France, will be putting the Hotel itself up for grabs! Watch this space. Lets see if we can guarantee him in excess of 100 boats next year.

Higher, Faster, Longer..... Stavros.