Cowes, UK: The last race showdown for the 2010 Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Cowes, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes, was a spectacular affair with the overall results of the regatta being decided on the final finish line. Russia’s Olga White was the star of that sixth race, winning in impressive style to take third overall in the regatta. But while Olga led the fleet, the other big story of the day was happening back down the course as a dogfight of epic proportions took place between Germany’s Klaus Diederichs, and Denmark’s Poul Richard Hoj-Jensen for the right to go home with the Edinburgh Cup. The two went into the final race in first and second position respectively with just one point separating them and they proceeded to give the watching spectators a truly edge of the seat experience as they fought it out for supremacy.
On the finish line Klaus Diederichs, sailing NOR272 Fever with Andy Beadsworth and Simon Fry, crossed the line in 14th place just a few inches ahead of Poul Richard Hoj-Jensen, sailing GBR745 Danish Blue with Theis Palm and Andrew Norden, to claim the historic Edinburgh Cup, presented to the Dragon Class for their Open British Championship by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in 1949. Poul Richard-Hoj Jensen took second place overall and Olga White completed the podium line-up.
Technically six people had the possibility to take third overall going into the final race. Lawrie Smith had held the position over night; White was seven points behind him in fourth, with Simon Brien two points behind her in fifth. Also still just in contention were Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, Mikhail Muratov and Louis Urvois.
In the Corinthian Division for the all-amateur crews Ireland’s Simon Brien, took overall victory from local Solent sailor Eric Williams, sailing GBR682 Ecstatic with Joanna Richardson and Rory Patten. Cowes Dragon Fleet Captain Richard Cullen, sailing GBR669 Supremacy with Alex Dobson and Matthew Hill, rounded out the Corinthian top three.
The South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club, Abersoch, will host the 2011 Dragon Edinburgh Cup, which will be held between 13-16 July 2011.