Petticrows - News

Katie back on board.
1 year on from winning the 2010 UK East coast championship we are pleased to report that Jorgen Schonherr, Tim Tavinor and Katie Cole have again won the event again in 2011.
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Hanni wins race at first Dragon regatta The Dragon fleet is quietly gaining in strength in Hungary following a successful European Championship, Vilmos Naray head of the Hungarian Association reports that their local fleet is growing in activity. Vilmos himself has recently upgraded his Dragon to a newer model. More >>>

Petticrows Soling success in Soling Worlds Over the past few months Petticrows have been working alongside Ex world Champion Soling sailor Roman Koch to develop a new Soling. Petticrows was approached by a number of Soling sailors wanting a new class builder following the fire that destroyed Abbott boatyard their former major builder. More >>>

Dutch sailors launch into 2011 season. About 30 Dutch Dragon sailors got together on 31st March/1st April at a training camp brilliantly organised by Petticrows Benelux dealer Andre Dupon. Read more >>>

Even Better.... As good as it gets in Cannes The Allianz Dragon Grand Prix in Cannes kicked of the 2011 Grade 1 listed Dragon events. While many sailors still await the return of their Dragons from the worlds in Australia it was still impressive to see almost 70 Dragons turn out for the regatta. Read more >>>

Petticrows exhibit their new Soling at the Dusseldorf boat show. With increasing pressure from Soling sailors for a new European builder, Petticrow, with their expertise in building racing keelboats, have stepped forward to offer their services. Read more >>>

Brand new Petticrows Dragons take first and second place in the Melbourne World Championship Tim Tavinor the Director of Petticrows, was doubly pleased as the first two placed boats were sent to Melbourne straight off the production line and had never been sailed prior to arriving in Melbourne. Read more >>>

First Russian winner of the Gold Cup. Marstand 2010 A full range in wind conditions hit Marstrand during the 2010 Gold Cup. Unfortunately only 4 races were completed due to adverse winds on some of the race days; some too much, some too little! Calculating the winner was easier than most sailing regattas as unusually the rules are that the series should be sailed with no discard. In a 96 boat fleet this can lead to some high scores. Read more >>>

A beautiful boat, a great result. During 2010 we have been working hard to produce a beautiful new Dragon "Zenith" She has a dark blue and white GRP hull and a hand crafted wooden deck in teak and varnished mahogany. See more >>>

Joergen comes to UK! I was delighted when Joergen Schonherr accepted my invitation to come to the UK to sail at the East Coast Championship held at Medway YC. It was great to show off what great and active domestic racing we have in the UK, with a well organised event in blustery conditions.
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Douarnenez 2010 The immaculate organisation and race management that we come to expect from the team at Douarnenez were evident again in 2010, so that the biggest Dragon turnout of 2010 enjoyed two great series of racing.

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PETTICROWS SERVICE VAN TO GO TO HUNGARY AND SWEDEN Our service team and van will be at the Dragon Europeans in Hungary. If you would like to pre-order any equipment to be delivered at the regatta please place your orders in advance before 26th May. Orders to paul@petticrows.com or 0044 1621 782115 Our van will carry a limited amount of Dragon spares and accessories for use in emergencies during the regatta, but if you know you need something then please order in advance to avoid disappointment. Our van will also be at the Dragon Gold Cup in Marstrand in August. Orders for this regatta by 23rd July please.

Training in the Netherlands Over the winter there have been several new additions to the Dutch and Belgian Dragon fleet. Petticrows dealer Andre Dupon felt it would be a great kick start to the new Dragon owners sailing to put together a training weekend where some of the important basics of Dragon tuning and handling could be passed on to these sailors.
Read the full report >>>

2010 Class rules – Rope rigging now approved The proposal to allow the use rope rigging was put to ISAF in 2009 and has now been approved and incorporated in the new 2010 Dragon class rules (rule 7.1) More details >>>

Italian Dragon Dealer. We often have contacts from yards wishing to associate with Petticrows and help develop their home Dragon fleet. Italy is one such growing fleet with their numbers developing greatly over the past few years. Their Riviera coast is close to the action in Southern France but the Italians are also keen to develop their own identity too. I had the pleasure to visit an exceptional yard in Imperia owned by Dragon sailor Mario Quaranta. More >>>

PARIS BOAT SHOW The French Dragon association put on a fantastic display at the Paris boats show from 5th to 13th December 2009. Different Dragons fleets from around France took it in turns to man the stand which and attracted both non Dragon sailors and existing fleet members to admire the new Petticrows Dragon on display. More information >>>

Petticrows are offering a new gadget to check your pump battery level. This digital volt meter checker can save you from carrying your pump battery ashore unnecessarily. Available through our online shop at £40.00 + VAT

Consistency was the key to the 2009 World Championship in Medemblik. Poul Richard Hoj-Jensen crewed by Theis Palm and Lars Jensen sailed a steady series to take the title by 7 points from Lars Hendrikson, with Jorgen Schonherr close behind in 3rd place. In a season that has been dominated by light and inconsistent winds Poul was delighted his latest 2009 “Danish Blue” showed good boat speed throughout the range of conditions in the regatta. Poul previously won the Worlds in 1989 in one of the first Petticrows boat produced. ....... the details are available on the Championship website....

2009 August eNewsletter So far all the races I have sailed this year, (with the exception of Antigua), have been in light to very light conditions. I cannot remember a year with such lack of winds; is it climate change or the recession causing this phenomenon I wonder! Even stranger, the minute the boats are back on the trailer and on the way back home, the wind arrives! Read more >>>

Queen Silvia of Sweden presents Poul with a Golden Dragon During a ceremony at the Hanseatic Lloyd Dragon Grand Prix in Strande, Queen Silvia of Sweden presented Poul Richard with a beautiful golden Dragon for his outstanding accomplishments in sailing. More >>>

French new Dragon owners are on form at La Baule. Light to medium winds and very shifty conditions greeted over 50 Dragons in the Dragon Derby at La Baule. Many large wind shifts made it difficult to get the tack ticks right all the time. More >>>

Tommy Mueller wins Coupe de Bretagne Douarnenez....... Tommy Mueller sailing with Vincie Hoesch and Micky Lipp scored emphatic victory in their brand new Petticrows 2009 boat straight from the factory during the Coupe de Bretagne regatta. Read more >>>

Go local......
As well as a jam packed international racing circuit, the Dragon class offers much more to sailors at national and local level. The class has something for everyone. Read more >>>

Capsize and recovery.......
Plans, designs and rules are always easy to make on paper, but it is nice to know that they work in practice too. Read more >>>

eNewsletter - May 2009
The sudden death of Harro Kniffka at the age of 53 in March, was I am sure, a shock to all of us. Harro was a great benefactor to the Dragon Class and really loved his Dragon racing. His generosity enabled the planned 75th Anniversary Race in St. Tropez to proceed in 2004, when the major sponsor dropped out. Read more >>>

Emergency roadside repairs!
It is never convenient to get a puncture, particularly if you are not equipped to deal with the problem. Our roadside rescue kit in your trailer box allows you to deal with the problem with very little fuss. More >>>

British Dragon Association exhibits at The Dinghy Show.

Poul Richard Hoj-Jensen’s new Dragon “Danish Blue” was exhibited fully rigged on the BDA stand at the RYA Dinghy show at Alexandra Palace on 7th and 8th March.
More info >>>

February 2009 eNewsletter

We have had a very busy winter here in Burnham, finishing the new hull mould Poul talked about in his last newsletter and finalising some other details for the 2009 model. Read more >>>

2nd Antiguan National Dragon Championships

The second Antiguan National Dragon Championships took place in Nonsuch Bay, on the East coast. If you are not familiar with sailing in the Caribbean in Winter, you may have trouble to believe this ( specially considering the weather in Europe right now) Read more >>>

PRIMO CUP 2009

Primo Cup 2009 was well supported in its 25th year of the event. 13 Nationalities and 43 teams took part in the Dragon Class. With its dedicated race area and expert race management headed by Tony O’ Gorman it was a pity the wind could not have been steadier and more races finished. Tony and his team could not have done more; sometimes the conditions are just against you.
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Dragon Fleet development in Abersoch

A great revival of a traditional Dragon fleet is underway in Abersoch, North Wales. Traditionally a key Dragon sailing venue with a once substantial and well supported fleet, the fleet diminished for a range or reasons in the earlier 1980's. A group of enthusiastic Dragon sailors is currently reviving the fleet Find out more >>>

Jibs

At the 2008 IDA meeting a new class rule was passed to allow the use of Jibs in the Dragon class. The use of jibs has been piloted by the newly formed Antiguan fleet who sail largely in strong winds often with small or inexperienced Dragon crews. Read More >>>

Oct 2008 eNewsletter

Dear Dragon Sailors, As the financial storm is raging around us, more or less every other sailor I meet on the dock asks: "how is your order book?" Just in case you are wondering too, let me give you the answer: "it is good". The reason I think is, that for over twenty years, Petticrows have delivered a good product, listened and supported its customers with good service, on and off the racecourse. Read more >>>

Petticrows Soling wins 2008 Soling Worlds

It is great to see that the Soling Class is thriving after a tumultuous few years following its de selection as an Olympic Class. A truly international fleet enjoyed racing their World Championship at Marina Scarlino in Tuscany. The eventual winners Bostjan Antoncic, Gennadi Strakh and Karlo Hmeljak from Slovenia sailed a consistent series to take the title in their Petticrows built Soling. Read more >>>

McLube Hullkote Speed Polish

Over the last few months we have been testing this new speed polish……it seems to do exactly what it says on the tin!!

Keeping you hull looking good and clean for extensive periods, and a clean boat is a fast boat. Read more >>>

2008 Dragon Gold Cup. Cascais. Portugal

Poul Richard Hoj Jensen sailing with Theis Palm and Andrew Norden sailed a consistent series of races in the non discard series to take the championship. Poul was delighted - the last time he won the Gold Cup was in 1997 in Dublin, he commented that the standard of racing in the fleet is exceptional and it take an immense amount of effort and concentration to win any major regatta. It was a remarkable feat for the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club who completed a clean sweep as club members Gavia Wilkinson Cox and Robert Campbell and their crews finished second and third respectively overall with team GBR taking the Nations Cup. For full results see www.cascaisdragongoldcup2008.com

Below: The crew of Danish Blue receiving the Gold Cup from HRH Prince Henrik and Jose Matoso, Commodore of the Caiscais Yacht Club.

PETTICROWS YNGLINGS TAKE OLYMPIC GOLD AND SILVER

Congratulations to Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson (Team GBR) who fought off a fierce challenge from the Dutch team to take Gold and Silver at the 2008 Olympics in Qingdao, China. Both the GBR and Dutch teams sailed boats built by Petticrows, which were built during early 2008. We are very proud to have been a part of these successful campaigns.

Hankoe Race Week:

The event is described as the "Cowes Week" of Scandinavia. Great venue and atmosphere; perfect sailing conditions right "outside the door". 17 Dragons took part; I crewed for Oddroar Lofterod, an "old" Friend. Read more >>>

Grand Prix in Kiel/Strande.

The Childhood Foundation /HHL Grand Prix event in Strande combines the pleasure of racing Dragon (or playing Golf) with raising money for charity. The brainchild of Ulli and Manuela Libor, who also organise the event to perfection. Generously sponsored by Hanseatic Lloyd- Harro Kniffka.
Read more >>>

Newsletter, June 2008.

At the half way stage of the 2008 Dragon season, I can report that things are going well. The production side at Petticrows is busy and back on stream after the introduction of the major rule changes to increase the buoyancy to 2500L. Rule changes that need to be implemented immediately are very disruptive to production and lot of new moulds needed to be done.Read more >>>

Derby de La Baule; 10-15th June

Eleven Dragons set off from Burnham to attend the Derby de La Baule; 10-15th June. The party started on the ferry the Channel and never really stopped.

Read more >>>

Technogym Wellness Cup 2008

This years Technogym Welness Cup hosted by Køge Sejlklub was a great success held in perfect summer conditions. Congratulations to Lars Hendriksen, Martin Leifeldt and Lars Stenfeldt who sailed a near perfect regatta winning for the second year in succession. The new team of Jens Christensen, Kim Andersen and Philip Skafte Holm again showed some sign of their potential , winning the last race and finishing as runners up The club did a fantastic job on and off the water. Maybe their only mistake was giving us the secret of Jorgens success with a fine display of belly dancing at the gala dinner! Event website >>>

Friendship Regatta 2008

On 31st May Pirogovo Yacht Club in Moscow were hosts to the 4th Annual inter club team race against the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (Burnham). The week ends activities opened with a flag raising ceremony with Poul Richard Hoj Jensen and Boris Budnikov performing the honors acting as a reminder of their epic duel in the Soling in the eighties.. In Poul Richards speech he reminded the hosts that although the score was 2 wins to Burnham against one to the Pirigovo teams the visitors were determined to improve on the loss they suffered the last time they visited the Lake just north of Moscow. Read more >>>

2008 Marble head trophy.

Light winds were the predominant conditions in the historic 2008 Marblehead trophy, held at the defender Frank Bergs, Royal Danish Yacht Club.

Tommy Mueller sailing with Vincie and Max were victorious under the burgee of Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, Hamburg. Read more >>>

Antigua Race week and classic week 2008

Sunshine and good winds have been enjoyed by both local and foreign sailors in the newly formed 12 boat Dragon fleet based in Harmony Hall Antigua. Poul Richard won the inaugural Antiguan Championship. Read more >>>

Friendship Regatta 2008

On 31st May Pirogovo Yacht Club in Moscow were hosts to the 4th Annual inter club team race against the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (Burnham). The week ends activities opened with a flag raising ceremony with Poul Richard Hoj Jensen and Boris Budnikov performing the honors acting as a reminder of their epic duel in the Soling in the eighties.. In Poul Richards speech he reminded the hosts that although the score was 2 wins to Burnham against one to the Pirigovo teams the visitors were determined to improve on the loss they suffered the last time they visited the Lake just north of Moscow. Read more >>>

2008 Marble head trophy.

Light winds were the predominant conditions in the historic 2008 Marblehead trophy, held at the defender Frank Bergs, Royal Danish Yacht Club.

Tommy Mueller sailing with Vincie and Max were victorious under the burgee of Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, Hamburg.

In second were some happy sailors, Jens Christiansen, Kim Anderson and Philip Skafte-Holm who took delivery of their new 2008 model Petticrows Dragon the previous week.

The boat included the central console option allowing greater movement about the cockpit, they were pleased to report that everything worked a treat straight from the factory. To be runner up to the mighty Mr. Mueller was a great start to their regatta season.

Douarnenez 2008

A mixed bag of conditions from sunburn to hails stones, greeted sailors in Douarnenez in 2008. Consistency paid in the Coup de Bretagne, a non discard series. The new African Queen sailed by Jorgen Schonherr and his team stamped their authority on the event, winning in style including two race wins. The biggest “if only “ of the regatta must surely go to Quentin Strauss who scored all top ten positions other than an OCS – not great when all races count!

Red October - George Shaiduko took his turn at the front of the fleet in the Grand Prix regatta, taking Victory with a good consistent series.

Bright yellow waterlines and trailer boxes turned a few heads; Victor Fogelson’s new “Sunflower” scored 2 race wins. He might start the trend that you have to be bright to be fast! Read more >>>

Antigua Race week and classic week 2008

Sunshine and good winds have been enjoyed by both local and foreign sailors in the newly formed 12 boat Dragon fleet based in Harmony Hall Antigua. Poul Richard won the

inaugural Antiguan Championship. Congratulations to Olga White and her team who won the Dragon Class in Classic week. The Dragon fleet will be planning a busy winter in 2008/2009 so you might like to consider joining the fun.... charter boats will be available.

Princess Sophia 2008

Poul Richard sailing with Noddy and Theis stormed to victory in the Princess Sophia trophy 2008, showing particularly good boat speed during the stronger wind races. Vassily Senatorov with the unsurpressable Vincie and Max finished second overall. Read more >>>

Petticrows Yngling

Petticrow built Ynglings have dominated the 2008 Yngling Europeans in Spain. In a tense final medal race, any of the first four boats, all built by Petticrows, could have taken the title. With a nailbiting finish Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson (GBR) took the title, on a photo finish, by 1 point from Sally Barkowus, American Team. Third and fourth were the Dutch teams lead by Renee Groeneveld and Mandy Mulder. Read more >>>

News Rules Modifications

The focus in the factory for the last few months has been to make the design changes to satisfy the new rules introduced by the IDA at the AGM last year in Oslo. These were largely amendments to the existing rules asking the builders to make necessary changes to increase the floatation and safety of the Dragon after capsize or swamping.

The safety side of these new rules introduce an increase in the buoyancy to a minimum of 2500 litres (up from 1700 litres in the old rules) and a capsize test to be carried out to test the new design for all new boats measured after March 1st 2008. Read the full report on the new modifications >>>

Capsize Test

This is the technical side of achieving the new rules and a new level of safety but the real test was always going to be the capsize! The new rule calls for new boats to be pulled over to 90 degrees for one minute and then when fully swamped after this minute to float with no part of the deck awash for thirty minutes. Probably naively I was extremely confident this would be no problem, until the night before we were to do the test when I did have a sleepless night! Read the full report on the capsize test >>>