Don Street of Glandore Gets Top International Dragon Honour at 90th Anniversary Regatta

14th October 2019

WM Nixon

Tough going for a classic – in the very varied weather for the 160-boat fleet at the 90h Anniversary International Dragon Regattta at San Remo, the large classics division had to take the rough with the smooth along with the rest of the fleet

The stupendous 90th Anniversary International Dragon Class Regatta at San Remo in Italy has concluded with overall victory going to Jens Christensen of Denmark, crewed by Anders Bagger and Thomas Schmidt.

But the most special celebration at the prize-giving was reserved for 89-year-old Don Street of Glandore in West Cork, whose classic boat Gypsy (IRL 15) was the oldest boat in the regatta at 86 years. The award was as a result of a vote by all the Dragon racers present for the skipper they thought best represented The Spirit of the Dragon Class, and in his acceptance speech Don said:
“I sailed a 1937 boat at the 75th Anniversary Regatta, here I’ve sailed an 86-year-old boat and I’m 89 years old, and I’m aiming to do the 100th Anniversary Regatta too!”

don street sailing2 The ever-young Don Street during his deep-sea sailing days with the yawl Iolaire – he is now the holder of the Spirit of the International Dragon Class trophy

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About The Author

WM Nixon

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William M Nixon has been writing about sailing in Ireland for many years in print and online, and his work has appeared internationally in magazines and books. His own experience ranges from club sailing to international offshore events, and he has cruised extensively under sail, often in his own boats which have ranged in size from an 11ft dinghy to a 35ft cruiser-racer. He has also been involved in the administration of several sailing organisations.

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