report by David Dale-Johnson

The July One Design Regatta at RVYC was held in almost perfect Dragon conditions.  For most of Saturday the wind was steady at about ten knots from the Northwest while on Sunday the conditions were similar but with occasional light spells.  Four races were held each day with a throw-out now allowed after four races so the scoring Saturday after four races was based on the three best finishes. 

Both Ayrborn 2 and Eagle ended the day with two bullets but with Ayrborn²’s  2nd in the third race and Eagle’s 3rd in the second race Ayrborn wrapped up the day with a one point lead over Eagle followed by Rum & Monkey in 3rd place, Mistral in 4th place and Blue in 5th place.  In the first race, both Eagle and Mistral were over early with the result that each yacht threw out the 8 points from that race. The racing was relatively close with a three boat battle between Mistral, Rum & Monkey and Blue at the finish of the 3rd race resulting in Blue going to 5th place after being blanketed by Mistral and Rum & Monkey at the finish. After Saturday it looked as if the regatta would be a battle between Eagle and Ayrborn²; two very experience helmsmen and two fast boats although Eagle (1977 Miller/Godsil) has been around a few years longer than Ayrborn² (a 2012 Petticrows).  Wren was on the water but not signed in for the regatta. While not scored she showed some of the speed of the old Ayrborn.  

World Sailing Trust is conducting a strategic review of women in sailing.  Part of this is a survey - it's open to all, so make your voice heard. Article here. Survey here.

Thanks to Christopher Nordhoff (who was visiting from Munich) for the photos. See more  photos of Dragon sailing on Christopher's website.