Howling winds throughout the night failed to disperse by this morning leaving the race officer of the Hanseatic Lloyd-sponsored Dragon 75th anniversary event in St Tropez with the unenviable task of cancelling the racing for the day.

With strong easterly winds of Force 6-7 creating a huge running sea into the bay of St Tropez the race officer Tony O’Gorman felt he had made the correct decision commenting: “With the wind speed at the time of 27 knots gusting 30 creating a big sea we felt it was too dangerous for 267 competitors. It was more the sea state, because Dragons can race in 27 knots without any difficulty, but because of the special form of this regatta, with so many boats on the starting line, and mark roundings, we felt it would be unfair and risky.”

So instead of spending the day battling it out on the racecourse, competitors are enjoying a relaxing day soaking up the atmosphere in St Tropez. Among those keen to hit the water again tomorrow however, is the young British team of Mark Dicker, Selina Dicker sailing their father’s 10-year-old Petticrow-built boat with Jonathon Webster. They had an amazing day on the water yesterday finishing fourth on the water. We are going to re-schedule today’s race for Friday, after the special races.”

Chatting about the race Mark Dicker commented: “It was a great day, particularly beating Russell Coutts! We basically just cracked the start and got away cleanly from the middle of the line, had a good first beat working the shift and were probably fifth round the top mark. We gained a few places and rounded the leeward mark in second, and then managed to pull away from the chasing pack.”

Selina added: “The worse bit at this regatta is at the starts where there’s so much shouting and because the line’s so long you can’t actually see the committee boat. I’m surprised there’s not more damage. The key is to get the 10-minute gun and rely on the watch from then on and go for it. We were pretty close to the line. You just have to go with the bunch and hope for the best.”

Depending on the weather, racing will resume tomorrow with the mass start 75th Anniversary race. Something tells me that with 270 Dragons on one start line it will be a day to remember!