Autumn update from Petticrows

The British Dragon Fleet and in particular the Burnham Dragon Fleet have had a good season outside the UK so far. Thirteen British Dragons, eleven from Burnham went to La Baule for the Dragon Derby. Everyone enjoyed the event; Danish Blue, Poul/Theis/Noddy won that race, only just from Guus de Groot.

However, the best result by far was achieved by the British Dragons in the Gold Cup in Caiscais. Not only did they manage 1, 2, 3; they also won the Nations Cup for the first time ever. Danish Blue, Poul/Theis/Noddy (again), won the Gold Cup, Gavia with Dr. John and Ron Rosenberg aboard Jerboa came 2nd and Quicksilver, Rob/Matt/Jonathan a close 3rd. It was the 5th time for Poul winning the Gold Cup; he has some work to do to beat the record of 8 wins by Age Birk set in the sixties.

The crew of Danish Blue receiving the Gold Cup from HRH Prince Henrik and Jose Matoso, Commodore of the Caiscais Yacht Club

The success of the Brits overseas this season has resulted in a noticeable increase in interested for new and used Dragons in the UK. More importantly, there is talk about reviving some of the extinct Dragon Fleets. With rising petrol prices, supporting our National events make more sense than ever; why go abroad if the front of our home fleet is among the best in the World!

The rule changes introduced to increase buoyancy by the IDA earlier this year, has necessitated some mould changes. Due to the positive results of testing prototypes this season, there will be modifications to our 2009 model; the details will be released soon.

Our winter sails offer will be released shortly too, this will apply to our own Hoj-Jensen brand and North Sails. If you would like to discuss different sail models please contact paul@petticrows.com. There is a facility to add yourself to our mailing list on the front page of our website www.petticrows.com the winter sails offer and the details of the 2009 model will then automatically be received.

Petticrows is predominantly a Dragon builder, but it may interest you that Petticrows made a significant contribution to our Olympic medal haul in Qingdao. We were delighted when Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson commissioned a Petticrows Yngling that they sailed in China during their Gold medal campaign. The future of the Yngling as an Olympic class is under review by ISAF in November this year. Whatever the outcome of the ISAF meeting, we are of course very proud that our company played a part in the success of team GBR.

Petticrows
The Quay, Burnham on Crouch
Essex, UK, CM0 8AX
0044 1621 782115
www.petticrows.com