Russian Invasion

There's never any shortage of superlatives when people speak of Dragons. They may be 78 years old, but they're still racy, elegant and sexy to most sailors' eyes.

One of the world's most prestigious Dragon gatherings is the Grand Prix Petit Navire, which starts at the end of April, in France's Douarnanez Bay, and this time the Russians are coming to conquer in force. The usual field of around 100 is down this year, as some won't get back in time, from an event in Palma Majorca, but 70 boats is still a big entry and what has surprised everyone is that a quarter of them will be from Russia! Among them is Boris Budnikov, who took the Olympic silver medal, in the Soling Class, way back in 1980,
Les russes and competitors from ten other countries will be trying to make sure the trophy doesn't stay at home, in France, including Denmark's Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen, holder of no less that 98 international titles, not to mention Tommy Müller, Henrik Dalhman and Gus de Groot. Defending the trophy, for France, will be last year's French champion Babou Pasturaud.

There'll be stars from other racing disciplines too, among them Round-the-World, Trans-Atlantic and 24 hour record holder Bruno Peyron, who admits to being more used to techniques needed in big, brutal catamarans, like Orange II, than the finesse needed to sail a Dragon well, but added, after last sailing one "j'ai adore".

Photo by Jacques Vapillon/Pixsail.com and the story my Marian Martin from the truly wonderful BYM News.

04/13/07