Dragon Burnham Week Report 3 Sep 2017

The drought which has seen Dragons absent from the river over the summer months was resoundingly broken over Burnham Week 2017, with twelve Dragons sailing over the bank holiday weekend and eight over the mid-week series.

The lure of a full social calendar helped oil proceedings, just as well, as the light or non-existent airs over the week presented challenging and at times, frustrating sailing conditions for the fleet.

The race starts provided onlookers with a spectacle as the fleet pushed onto the race course in close proximity, with either spinnakers flying or under white sails. Once underway the fickle conditions pushed the fleet apart and distances between boats became significant, as boats passed around the strong tidal gates spread across the courses.

Whether it was the hot conditions or the desire to get out of the tide, Dragons were from time to time seen with paddles out driving off poorly positioned mud banks! It all added to the graceful spectacle of the fleet silently meandering in and out of the River Roach and across to the various marks set in the Crouch.

The mixed conditions brought mixed results. However, PageBoy XI with guest skipper Paul Taylor, impressed with a consistency that brought line honours for both the mid-week series, the Valhalla Cup and for the Dragon Trophy day, winning the Daily Telegraph Cup.

Bank Holiday Weekend racing, for the Solent Points Trophy was won by Beauty and the Beast under the stewardship of Peter Marchant.

On the promise of a little more wind and even more socials, the Dragon fleet looks forward to Burnham Week 2018.