We hope to increase numbers over last year and continue the tradition that Team 4 Dragons started a few years ago by being out on the water in Shanghai at dawn on the longest weekend day of the year.
Also in the Sailstice tradition we (Team 4 Dragons) ran a Charity Regatta in conjunction with the Shanghai International Boat Show last weekend, the event's second running. We had 35 boats out on the water, a record number of Chinese based grass roots crews in a sailing event here in China.
As we now have 2 quarter-tonners here (and hopefully the use of a J-80) w will be assured of at least those boats and our good friends Ed and Keith on "The Black Pearl". We hope to be bright but not too breezy on the day. A fleet of boats from Saimeng Water Sports Club led by the two quarter-tonners, Four Dragons and Bird of Prey will be on the water to see the first glimmer of dawn as black moves through shades of grey into the year's longest day. This year there is added significance as the Sailstice falls on a Sunday so it won't just be the weekend day closest to the Sailstice but the day itself.
All we need are clear skies and the dawn will hopefully be followed by a glorious sunrise. All sorts of thoughts at the moment - all night party Saturday night? …anchor on the lake and set sail before the first glimmer? …who knows but we will definitely be out there.
We will send pictures across after the event.
Check out our own Shanghai charity efforts at
http://www.sail-world.com/Asia/China-International-Boat-Show-Charity-Regatta-2009/56252