The weather met the sailors with rain and blustery wind, gusts up to 23 knots. The waters of the Finnish Bay were brightened by 19 yachts with the strongest athletes from Russia, Belorussia and Finland.
During the Opening Ceremony the participants were welcomed by Vasily Senatorov, President of the Russian Dragon Association and Vice President of the International Association as well as by Victor Los, Vice-President of the Russian Dragon Association and Commodore of St.Petersburg Yacht Club and Tatiana Kurbatova, Executive Director of the Russian Association, Director of the regatta.
The first racing day was marked by the two races planned, where the first to finish was the yacht of Dmitry Samokhin, Alexey Bushuev, Andrey Kirilluk – Strange little girl (RUS 76). The second place was taken by the crew of Anatoly Loginov, Vadim Statsenko and Alexandr Shalagin on board Annapurna (RUS 27). The third place was given to Igor Goihberg, Dmitriy Berezkin and Roman Sadchikov on board Zenith (RUS 98).
Vladimir Komel, Principal Race Officer:
“Today’s forecast proved to be 100% true. We postponed the second flight because of the forecasted heavy wind sailing. From time to time it was raining heavily but as they say there is no bad weather under the skies and I think everything was up to the mark! We stated the fact that the teams gunning to be crowned at the Championship, demonstrated high professionalism, their considerably improved skills in sailing and that means that the Russian Dragon is improving and growing!”
Dmitry Samokhin (RUS 76):
“Whatever the weather, we are always in good mood!” – says Dmitry with optimism, – we achieved all our goals and fulfilled all our plans, we are happy with the results and believe the day was a lucky one! But the main intrigue is in store. We are not worried about the weather, we are looking at the finest match racing teams – the Dragon class was always sailed by the best sailors- looking forward to the flights and to the feelings of exhaustion and happiness before the podium is finalized. The Race Officers made the course not too short and not too long, just a perfect distance to leave the opponents behind”.
Official results after two flights and the photos of the first day at www.dragonopen.ru
Tomorrow, on the 23rd of July, two flights are planned. The first start will be at 12.00.
