Historic win for Bluebottle in Deauville
by Emma York 1 Jul 2024 21:08 BST
Bluebottle wins the Linkers French Dragon National Championship in Deauville © Patrick Deroualle, Deauville 2024
In 1949 Bluebottle sailed across the Channel to Deauville and won the Virginie Heriot Cup. 75 years later, in a truly unique moment, Bluebottle has won the Linkers French Dragon National Championship in the same waters.
Deauville produced stunning conditions for the four days of racing that saw 27 teams take part in five races. It was not an easy ride for the Royal boat as the final day of racing was the decider between Bande a Part FRA 428, UAE17 and GBR 192 Bluebottle.
Leading from the off in the final race to take the last win of the regatta saw Graham Bailey, Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Gillian Hamilton crowned as Linkers French Dragon National Champions.
Helm of Bluebottle, Graham Bailey commented "We were keenly aware of the historical significance of Bluebottle once again sailing in Deauville. Her first visit was in 1949 when she crossed the English Channel on her own keel to win the Viginie Heriot Cup and 75 years later has sailed away with the Linkers French Championship. We felt someone was looking down on us in that last race when it was between us, Gery and Anatoly. Surely the fairy tale could not come true-but it did. We are beyond thrilled and especially pleased that Admiral Neil Rankin, Chairman of the Royal Britannia Trust was there to witness history repeating itself. Dreams are made of this."
It was also great to see fellow British Dragons Fei-Lin's Flirtation, Danish Blue and Jerboa finishing in the top ten.
The next stop for Bluebottle, Jerboa, Flotation and many other Dragons is the Edinburgh Cup held this year in Abersoch at the SCYC.
Overall Results:
1. Bluebottle GBR 192
2. Bande a Part FRA 428
3. UAE17 UAE 17
4. Douzement NED 438
5. Fei-Lin's Flirtation GBR 633
6. Revolte FRA 421
7. Chapter VI BEL 69
8. Danish Blue GBR 788
9. Jerboa GBR 831
10. Tsuica FRA 409
11. Hard Jack NED 442
12. Eostig FRA 390
13. Coninckskint NED 1
14. Wandelaar NED 258
15. Grinta FRA 401
16. White Pearl BEl 88
17. Electra Superglide in White
18. Ryugin FRA 426
19. Nanouck IV FRA 341
20. Sofia A NED 282
21. Gilliat FRA 369
22. La Sagesse FRA 399
23. Flotation GBR 790
24. Apalala FRA 163
25. Lola FRA 306
26. Lydda FRA 304