It took patience on the penultimate day of the Régates Royales – Panerai Trophy. The day began poorly, but the arrival of the wind around 2 PM allowed the race committee to send the Big Boats and Classics on the same courses as the previous day—one lap around the bay, totaling 13 miles for the small and medium units, and two laps for the large ones, totaling 23 miles.
The last day of the Régates Royales de Cannes will take place in even lighter conditions than yesterday with an east wind not exceeding 7 knots.
On the Dragon side, after the previous day’s excitement, the competition resumed its course, and after a new round, the two Russian crews, Annapurna and Integrity, are engaged in a magnificent duel.
Mirroring the previous day’s course, the day turned out to be perfect for sailors as well as for spectator boats, the press, and photographers who could revel in the sight of monohulls with all sails unfurled.
The overall ranking, unchanged for a few days, is unlikely to experience major changes, but the day’s light weather could still hold a few surprises.
In the highly competitive Dragon category, the duel between Anatoly Loginov’s Annapurna, first, and Mikhail Senatorov’s Integrity, second, has intensified even further.
With a two-point difference on the eve of the last day, the tension between the two Russian crews promises thrilling long-distance clashes. Jerboa, helmed by Gavia Wilkinson–Cox, winner of the day’s race, is 9 points behind the first place.
A disadvantage that is not insurmountable, but it is highly likely that the Russians will protect their lead and keep a close watch on the English. The first French boat, Tsuica piloted by Gérard Blanc, is eighth, 29 points from the lead.
In the One Design category, Daniela, Roger Quenet’s Shark, leads the class ahead of Johny III and Sum, while in BOD, Moorhen leads by one point over Marsh Harrier. Guillemot is third, but the rankings for this Friday’s race are pending, and some minor changes are expected.
