Dragon
specialists far and wide get ready! Douarnenez is set to be the World Dragon
Capital from 16th to 24th August, when it will host the Gazprom International
Dragon Gold Cup. Since its creation in 1937, the event, which is considered one
of the most famous yachting trophies and comparable to a World Cup, has been
held five times in France, four of which were in Douarnenez; namely the great
trust confided in the Société des Régates de Douarnenez (lit. Douarnenez
Regatta Society) by the International Dragon Association (IDA).
Douarnenez, the bay,
the Regatta Society (SRD) .…
Following the editions held in 1981,
1996 and 2006, from 16th-24th August this year the Bay of
Douarnenez, one of the most highly valued sailing venues by Dragon sailors,
will welcome nearly one hundred crews from across the Dragon class worldwide,
between August 16th – 24th, 2013
A magnificent race course, an
experienced organization and a real sense of welcome, are the common factors
named by sailors who have taken part in one of the numerous sailing events on
Douarnenez waters. As well as its privileged natural setting, the cité Pen
Sardin can also claim the experience and enthusiasm of the SRD and its
wonderfully efficient ‘troupe’ of volunteers.
The Dragon class, more than a sport
No other international series, with
the exception of the Star class which dates back to 1911 and is still an
Olympic class, has been as successful throughout the century, as the Dragon.
This elegant 9-metre sail boat was created at the end of the 1920s by the
Norwegian architect Johan Anker, and with its fabulous racing qualities in
absolutely no time at all it had made its name as an ideal racing class, so
much so that it became the official class in the 1948 Olympic Games, a status
that it held for over twenty years. Gradually developing over the years, yet
maintaining its monotype design; (where it is the skills of the sailor that
really make the difference) this wonderful sail boat with ‘pure’ outline
has defied fashion and enamoured a loyal clientele of fine helmsman and
lovers of these beautiful hulls.
Today’s dynamic fleet and large
family of Dragon sailors come together to indulge in some fierce battles, yet
they are still defined by the etiquette of the early days of yachting.
Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup
The Russian Dragon sailors
discovered the Bay of Douarnenez in 2004 for the Grand Prix Petit Navire. The
strong bond they developed has meant a gradual increase in the number of
participants ever since, and every year they come to race at les Pen Sardin. As
such it was a natural step for major gas company Gazprom International to join
forces with the SRD for the organization of the Dragon Gold Cup.
The art of
racing is undeniably what best defines the spirit of the Dragon class, and no
better a show than the Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup in Douarnenez to
illustrate it. Firstly for its incredible bay and the truly impressive quality
of the setting, and secondly in its role as meeting point for the main players
in the series: World, European and French champions, winners of the Grand Prix
Guyader (who achieved their success in the same bay), Olympic medallists and multiple
world title-holders will all come face to face to battle it out in one long
three-hour race a day, among them Luc Pillot (FR), Markus Wiezer (UKR), Vincent
Hoesch (DE), Laurie Smith (US).
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento