 |
|||||||||||
|
 |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
24/09/2009
Stavros writes an account of the Worlds 2009 from a competitors point of view.
Poul-Richard Hojensen has regained the World Title after 20 years. Yes Campers, the 'Man' sailing the latest Petticrow Dragon with a superb North Sails Team of Theis Palm and Lars Jensen, has taken the prestigious Dragon Racing Trophy for the second time .. He last won in 1989 at Torquay, England. Beating off strong competition from Lars Hendrikson sailing a Borresen Dragon, who has recently finished 2nd in the Gold Cup,and Jorgen Schonherr who won the worlds in 2005, in Neustadt, Germany.
The competition was hosted by the Dutch Dragon Association at the Medemblik Olympic Centre, based beside the beautiful Northern Isslemere. With the generous help of their main sponsor, Gaastra, the hosts provided the 67 competitive boats from all over the world, with a week to remember. From our first arrival to the end crane out and de-rig, the organisation was excellent. Three or four efficiently driven small tow trucks, manoeuvred the trailers to and from the quiet launching areas on this unique fresh water facility. Numerous helping volunteers worked hard to give everyone a stress free racing week on a race area that tested both boat speed and tactics to the hilt. At times during this 8 race series, the fleet was split over a four to five mile area during the 2.5 mile initial beats. The race officer and his excellent team gave the competitors courses that would bring out the best in this fiercely competitive fleet, overflowing with Olympic Medallists, World and National Champions.
Those boats that arrived in the leaders at the first mark often started towards the middle of the start line, as the 15 to 20 degree shifts did not last long. Experienced teams took the early advantages and then built on their leads with superior boat handling and sailing skills. The cream always rises to the top, no matter whatever the conditions and true to form the familiar faces began to emerge. Tommy Muller GER 966, the defending world champion, showed his current form with a race win but had to settle eventually for 5th place just behind the ever consistent Anatoly Loginov RUS 27, who has won many of the 2009 events on the International Circuit this year, who took 4th place overall. Behind Muller was Frank Berg, who although finishing 6th, showed Pin End starts of sheer brilliance which saw him finish with two 2nd's & a race win.
Then we come on to the top three, Hoj-Jensen, Hendrikson and Schonherr, probably three of the greatest Danish dragon sailors ever, let alone greatest world sailors. But despite quite superb sailing over the last two days, Hendrickson and Schonherr could not snatch the trophy from the 'Mans' grasp. So the 63 year old Master holds the World Title for another two years, as he did when he was a 43 year old in Torquay twenty years ago. And I can tell you Campers, the Man will be around for many more years to come.
Special mention must go to the local Dutch hero, Mark Neeleman and his team racing a beautiful Doomernik Dragon. Who showed a clean pair of heels with two race wins on the difficult Thursday, only to be Black Flagged on the last race. They showed great speed and tactical awareness in the difficult Isslemere chop, which can be the most testing sailing conditions in the world. 7th place was their just reward, for this team of the future. Uli Libor, again Doomernik, followed up his 2nd place at the previous worlds with a consistent 8th overall. Another very pleased and deserved sailor Gavia Wilkinson-Cox and her talented team who finished in 10th place, after some very steady results throughout the week. And lastly, the older helms from the USA and AUS, Ted Sawyer and Gordon Ingate who are still strutting their stuff in the twilight of their years...76 and 82 respectively. Ted was awarded a beautiful half-dragon model at the formal dinner for coming back from a terrible sailing accident a few years ago that saw him break his neck in Cowes. He eventually mastered the difficult waves on the Isslemere to finish just behind Poul-Richard in 5th position in the penultimate race. A great achievement. Gordon on the other hand turned back the years and was often seen dancing the night away, to then follow up with some great pin end starts which saw him highly placed at the windward mark. Well done to both. Finally Campers, Andrew Merrett flew over from Australia to give the presentation on behalf of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Melbourne. Who will host the next World Championship in January of 2011. They have put together a superb package and programme, get planning now, be there or be square! After the poor turn out back in 2003 in Tasmania, it would be fantastic to see a full complement of Dragons from all our represented countries turn out for the ultimate prize, the Champion of the World. Long Live the Dragon, Long Live the 'Man'
......... Higher, Faster, Longer........................... Stavros.
Back to news page >