News
Fiery New Dragons at the 80th Anniversary Regatta
03 April 2009
Two new additions to the New Zealand Dragon fleet, USA 304 Yankee Doodle Dandee owned by Scott Palmer and NZL15 Alla skippered by Alex Kirichuk produced fiery competition at the New Zealand International Dragon Association Regatta at Mahurangi this year.
Set in the idyllic waters off Scotts Landing in the outer Mahurangi Harbour, the Dragons competed In eight windward-leeward races over 3 days in light to medium airs of 8-12 knots.
Returning from a creditable performance in the Australian Prince Philip Cup earlier in the year, Scott Palmer sailed an impeccable Regatta in Yankee Doodle Dandee with an extremely experienced crew (including past Olympian, Fraser Beer, with Philip Allen as forehead crew) taking a convincing 1st place overall and being awarded the Johan Anker Trophy.
Past National Champions, John Webber and Frans de Court teamed up on Matuku with Sam de Court to take second place, followed closely by Alex Kirichuk in Alla with well known Auckland sailors, Kevin Dibley and Simon Kidd.
Not only was this Regatta memorable for the on the water competition and beautiful weather, but the Regatta base at Scotts Landing provided a perfect backdrop to the social functions each evening.
Fifty guests celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Dragon Class at a commemorative dinner on the Saturday night with dragon sailors past and present. Special guests included senior members of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and family members of Don St Clair Brown and Allen Smith, instrumental at various critical stages in the foundation and promotion of the Class since it was first introduced to New Zealand in the 1960s.