LINKERS FRENCH DRAGON CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

The 10th edition of the popular LINKERS Sponsored French National Championship was hosted by Deauville Yacht Club an allied club of the Yacht Club de France from June 21st to 24th in the most stunning conditions.

This year, the France Dragon Championship race has been brilliantly won by the legendary Royal dragon class “Bluebottle” (GBR 192) who was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as a wedding present by the Island Sailing Club, Isle of Wight, helmed by Graham Bailey.

In 1949 Bluebottle sailed across the Channel to Deauville and won the Virginie Heriot Cup. 75 years later, history repeating itself: Bluebottle, now entirely restored, has won the LINKERS French Dragon National Championship in the same waters. Congratulations to Graham Bailey and his wife Julia, with other crew Will Bedford and Gillian Hamilton.

It is recalled that in 2018, the French championship was won by European champion Pedro Rebella, ahead of double Olympic champion Pol Ricard Hoj-Jensen, followed by Gery Trentesaux, 1st Frenchman and therefore new French champion, and Philippe Presti, double world champion and double AMERICA’s Cup winner!
This just goes to show this famous Dragon 9-metre racing keelboats regatta is attended each year by a very strong line-up, with champions from all over Europe.

This was a most excellent Championship sailed in great spirit and friendship. Thank you to the Race Committee, the Deauville Yacht Club helpers and volunteers and all the competitors.