Burnham Dragons second in the Five Nations 24 Feb 2015

The Belgian Dragon fleet believe that part of the appeal of racing Dragons is the strong international competition and work actively to promote this through close links to yacht clubs in other countries, including the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. This has lead to the Five Nations Cup, a series of races in five countries where teams and clubs (currently twelve are included in the competition) collect points during the course of the season.

On Friday 20 February, I was very honoured to attend the Five Nations' Cup prize giving at the Belgian Boatshow in Ghent at the invitation of Steven Vermeire, President of the BDA (Belgian Dragon Association).

The evening kicked off next to the fully rigged Dragon (the first year the fleet has been in a hall with a high enough ceiling to do this) with an opportunity to catch up with old friends over snacks and drinks (including Brugse Zot brewed by a regular visitor to Burnham, Xavier Vanneste), then after a word from the sponsors, it was on to the prize giving.

The first award was for the best team and congratulations go to Poul Hoj-Jensen who came third in GBR775 Danish Blue. Second place was awarded to NED402 – Team Bakker (Aalsmeer) and in first was BEL78 Yape L'Feu. The Belgian crew draw came next recognising that crew are vital to the success of any racing boat.

Finally, came the Best Fleet Award. Aalsmere came third overall, RCYC in second and a very well done goes to the Belgian fleet in first place. On behalf of our fleet, I collected a plaque and a Jeroboam of champagne (bringing that back in a backpack on Eurostar was interesting…)

Arrangements will be made shortly for the Burnham Dragon fleet to raise a toast to their 2nd place, the Belgian fleet's well deserved win and for BDA's organisation of this competition.

I'd like to say a very big thank you to Steven for his invitation and organisation, the Belgian fleet for their hospitality and to their sponsors of 727 Sailbags, OptiTeam and Brugse Zot.