GBR wins prologue - Dragon Gold Cup 2006

by Rivacom on 28 Aug 2006 Dragon Gold Cup 2006 : Arnold Shternberg, the sponsor, who came in from the cold.

The Dragon World Open Championships would probably not be taking place in Douarnenez if it was not for the affection Arnold Shternberg has for the sardine fishing port. His Russian company, Petronord AG, is the main sponsor of the event. This support is no accident, except …

Luck was smiling that day. In fact, the reason why Arnold Shternberg offered to give some financial backing to Louis Urvois, the Chairman of the Société des Régates de Douarnenez (the Douarnenez Regatta Club), who are the organisers of the 2006 Gold Cup, is that he is above all a fan of Dragons.

However, fate certainly played its role in this story. When he attended the 2004 and 2005 Petit Navire Grand Prix events, the Russian CEO won the traditional lucky draw organised for those taking part on both occasions. His prizes were no little trinkets, as Arnold Shternberg left Brittany with some very large souvenirs.

The first time it was a Dragon and the second a luxury car. Yet it was not in the habit of the lucky winner, who is known for his generosity according to Louis Urvois, not to offer something in return in one way or another for all the attention he had received.

'It was a bit embarrassing to win the lucky draws, explained Arnold Shternberg, Of course, I was pleased, but I was already delighted with the reception I had had in Douarnenez. I was fortunate to meet some fascinating people. The town, the organisation, everything about it pleased me. So I wanted to do something because of everything I had received and when this opportunity came up, I had no hesitation whatsoever.'

This support is applauded by all, because as Louis Urvois stresses, this is a sponsor, who is really interested in Dragons. 'Of course, when a company sponsors an event, they are doing it as part of their communications strategy, but that is only normal.'

However, with Arnold, the situation is rather different. He feels great affection for Douarnenez and along with his wife, he is a top-notch yachtsman. You can see in this decision that there is above all the desire to support the Dragon and to help Douarnenez to host this prestigious event. There is something magnanimous about his motives. However, the main reason for the presence of the Shternbergs in Douarnenez is the competition itself. Moreover, if you ask them what they are aiming for in this Gold Cup, their reply is clear, 'To come first'. This ambition is far from being ludicrous, as Inna Shternberg won the 2006 Petit Navire Grand Prix on her Diamond. As for Arnold Shternberg in his Dragon Godfather, he finished in 28th place. So once again, like the rest of the Russian delegation, they are certainly serious contenders for the major honours.

The Gold Cup brings together 19 different nations, around twenty Olympic medallists and some French boats that are in with a real chance of coming under the spotlight. One of them is already the centre of attention because of its world famous crew. Bruno Peyron, Jimmy Pahun and Louis Urvois 'Junior' make up a very special trio of Dragon racers. However, while Bruno and Jimmy are here in Douarnenez above all to enjoy the competition, they remain nonetheless serious contenders!

Today, it was time for some final adjustments for the 107 competitors before the first race of the 2006 Gold Cup gets underway tomorrow.

The prologue took place in some glorious sunshine and it was the English boat Rumours (GBR 708) with Lens Jones at the helm that was the first to cross the finishing line.

There was also an excellent third place for the local entrant Louis Urvois on Ar Youleg.

Prologue rankings
1 : (GBR 708) RUMOURS - Jones Lens
2 : (NED 318) GOLLYWOG - Laamens Gérard
3 : (FRA 300) AR YOULEG - Urvois Louis

http://www.dragongoldcup2006.com/