Right after the end of the Russian Draqon Open 2015 we talked to the famous French referee who shared his impression of St. Petersburg, explained why this venue is in Top-five all over the world and broke some prejudices about Russia.
– You have already been here, in St. Petersburg as a Race Official. What are your impressions of that regatta?
– Yes, I was lucky enough to be invited as a Chief Measurer in Saint Petersburg by the Russian Dragon Association. It was for the 2013 National Open Dragon Championship. The organization was first class on the measurement side: the sails measurement took place in a huge building with a wooden floor – most convenient to measure sails. Inside this building also was a travelling crane – easy for weighing and swing tests in a sheltered area. The racing area is close to the harbor, due to the mean wind direction, and clear of any coastal obstruction. The overall feeling is: warm welcome, good friendship (you call feel it event if you don’t understand all: body language doesn’t lie!), fine organization, very willing organizing authority.
– What do you think about weather conditions here?
– I was there second week of June. Very warm, hot temperature, bright sunshine. Short legs trousers, t-shirt, sunglasses and a hat! We just had a thunderstorm one end of afternoon. The rest of the time was mainly W-SW sea breeze, 10 – 12 knots. Ideal conditions. A very little tidal current, well spread all over the huge bay, all the same for everybody. Nothing really worth mentioning in the winds we met. But you never can tell with weather conditions! It can be so different from one year to another…
– And about the organization?
– As I said before, first class. As well at the shore as at the sea. I was kindly invited to join the RC team for a couple of days. Very professional people, very good race management. Nothing to complain about. This was a full Russian event, so there were no communication problems between the RC and the competitors. But for an international event it will be necessary to have on board the RC boat someone to make announcements in English as well. Another point to improve is the craning (minimum two cranes are needed in case of an international event) and the cars/trailers parking place – huge and guarded – but which will probably get very muddy in case of rain (let’s cross fingers !).
– Have you had time to see the historical center of St. Petersburg? What would you advice people who come here at the first time?
– Yes, we had. My partner Martine had more time than me, and she enjoyed every minute of it! I personally had the opportunity to spend a couple of afternoons and evenings in town. Simply marvelous! Most people living in St Petersburg can speak English and are really willing to help – and provide good advice on restaurants, where to go, what to see. Very friendly and welcoming people. I’m not in a good position to give any advices. We saw what most tourists see in St. Petersburg (we followed the flyer provided by the Tourist Office!). Going from the racing venue to the city center is made easy with boat shuttles. We just regretted not to have more time. It’s such a huge city, with huge monuments. The Hermitage, for instance, is probably worth at least a couple of days. The Palace Square is breathtaking due to its dimensions. And Saint Peter and Paul Fortress with the cathedral’s golden spire. And so many other places! Martine and I simply liked to ramble in the streets, following our nose without particular plans. It’s according to us the best way to discover a city – and the people living there – and improbable small restaurants where you get the local soup for nearly nothing (together with a large smile and a long and non-understandable explanation from which you guess that “it’s good when it’s hot”!).
– Can you compare yacht competitions held in St. Petersburg with the same events all over the world?
– Difficult question! No competition is similar to another one. I would certainly put St Petersburg in the top five venues I’ve been to all classes and countries together. And I’ve been on the international circuit as a judge, measurer or race officer for more than the last 25 years…
– And what can you say about well known prejudices about Russia – it’s hard to come there, it is dangerous etc?
– Dangerous??? Ha ha! Not more than home, I think, or any other place in the world (probably safer than many other places I’ve been to). Martine and I often walked very late at night to enjoy the fresh air and the city life in the streets, and never had the slightest problem. It’s a short flight from Paris to St. Petersburg. I don’t know how to get a Dragon there, but I’m sure the organizers will do their best to help with such formalities as the visa, boat import and export and transport etc. Boats can sure be put in containers in any French/Dutch/German/Scandinavian harbor and be shipped to St. Petersburg. Thanks to the OA and the invitation they provided, we got our visas in less than a week. You of course will need a valid passport. No problem at all at the customs, all very simple (I just add we had nothing funny and/or exotic to smoke or eat or drink or inject with us!) – except a lost luggage, another good move by Air France!
– You are invited as the International Jury Chairman at the European Championship-2016. What do you expect of that regatta?
– Yes. And I’m very pleased, flattered and proud to have an invitation from Tatiana on behalf of the Russian Dragon Association. I of course gave an immediate and positive answer. Never expect anything if you don’t want to be disappointed! To be serious, without expectation, I’m sure this will be a perfectly run regatta, by people who really care and are concerned and will do their best, people who know how to do it properly in a very competent and professional way. And in a very attractive venue – environment, sailing waters, weather conditions, accommodation, entertainment and so much to do and/or see for competitors and family/friends.
