Germans cruise the Derwent in Dragon Heats 2 and 3

by Morgan Vaudrey on 22 Jan 2003 After two days of dangerous conditions, the Dragons sailing in the Hellenic Cup were able to continue the championship.

Although the winds were not perfect today they enabled Heats 2 and 3 to be sailed after Heat 2 was cancelled on the previous two days of racing.

The wind averaged fifteen knots, peaking at 20 during gusts. Each heat experienced a 40 wind shift during the race, and conditions were lumpy on the Derwent throughout the day.

Heat 2 started at eleven o’clock this morning. While the top three placing boats in this heat held their positions from early in the race and maintained them throughout, boats further back in the field experienced large gains or losses as all boats attempted to read to shifty wind.

German Dragon Chrisco (Dieter Schoen, Vincent Hoesch and Andreas Huber) continued its excellent performance in the first heat of the Hellenic Cup by placing first in Heat 2. Chrisco held number one from the first mark and maintained it throughout the race, finding that the eastern side of the course had more favourable sailing and consistent winds.

Andrew Craig, with crew Claus Hoj Jensen and Graham Elmes, in Chimaera (IRL) continued their consistent performance from the Prince Philip Cup, placing second. The best-placed Australian Dragon of Heat 2 was Carl Ryves’ Sidewinder (Dick Sargeant and Simon Hadlow) in third place.

Shifty and gusty conditions continued into the afternoon for Heat 3. Again the eastern side of the course provided better sailing conditions and the Germans and the Irish continued their form in the first heat of the day to place first and second respectively in Heat 3.

Tasmanian Dragon Emma (Stephen Boyes, David Connor and Simon Burrows) came third, having held that position since the start of the race.

Dragons that were further back in the field experienced the gains and losses in Heat 3 that had been prevalent in Heat 2.

Winner of the Prince Philip Cup, Karabos VIII, placed fifth and twelfth in today’s race.

Currently leading the World Championship with zero is Chrisco (three races, no drops) who have won every race so far. Chimaera is currently second with 21 points, Sidewinder is third with 30.4 points.

Hellenic Cup races are now up on schedule and Heat 4 will be sailed tomorrow afternoon.