GAZPROM GOLD CUP - 16th to 24th August, 2013 - Russians celebrate Douarnenez

An international fleet - On the Treboul harbour, the 80 volunteers are getting ready to greet 80 Dragons in a few days. About 20 countries will be represented. The event is a major one, both from a sporting and an economical aspect, and the impact that such a fleet will have on local tourism is considerable. The Russians will come in force , with 13 boats already entered, among them several contenders for the top spot like Dmitry Samokhin or Vassily Senatorov. However the Russian Dragon crews will face some strong opponents. They will come from Ukraine (Markus Wieser and Evgeniy Braslavets), England (Gavia Wilkinson-Cox and Laurie Smith), Portugal (José Matoso), Germany (Thomas Müller), Denmark (Lars Hendricksen and Jorgen Schöner) and France (Rémy Arnaud and Luc Pillot), picking from the best crews according to the IDA (International Dragon Association) ranking, among them some multiple Gold Cup winners. Crews from Hong-Kong, Italy, Sweden, Hungary, Belgium, Norway, the UAE, Finland and Holland will add to this global and prestigious fleet.
More than ten years ago… The Dane Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen, twice gold medallist at the Olympics, revived Dragon building at the Petticrow boatyard, created in 1986 on the banks of the Essex river. Figurehead of the class, Poul was instrumental in the development of the international Dragon fleet, by convincing his ex-opponents to join it. Fascinated by the Douarnenez nautical arena, ambassador of the Guyader Grand prix and impressed by the friendliness of the organizers, he was responsible in the early 2000’s for the participation of Russian crews in the Grand prix. The Russians have been faithful to Douarnenez ever since, and have shown their attachment in various occasions, as demonstrated by Gazprom International’s support of the Gold Cup. Says Vassily Senatorov, IDA vice-chairman : «I believe that the organization of the races, and the atmosphere that surrounds them in Douarnenez, make it one of the best racing spots in Europe. Each one of us is highly motivated and delighted to come. With Gazprom’s support, I think it is going to be one of the best Gold Cups ever. I look forward to meeting all my friends in Douarnenez again soon» Some, like Dmitry Samokhin, even materialized their connection with Douarnenez by having their honeymoon in the city of the Penn Sardin.
A boost to amateurs For several years, the IDA has been recognizing « amateur » crews at the major events of the class by instituting a Corinthian Trophy, a specific ranking. BMW is joigning the club of the Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup partners by supporting this Trophy, celebrating the art of sailboat racing.
Gazprom International Since 1954 Gazprom International has been the world’s first company in gas production and exports. Since 2005 the Russian company has also made an important participation in the world oil market. Today the company has over 30 projects in 15 countries worldwide.