We Sail Dragons Because..
They are…
Elegant. The classic metre yacht design has a timeless beauty that instantly catches everyone’s eye.
But Modern The rig and controls have been progressively updated making the Dragon easy to sail but challenging to get that little bit of extra boat speed from it.
One Design Providing boat on boat close quarter racing where the result does not depend on boat design or weather conditions.
Crewed by only 3 or 4 The weight-limited crew are all involved all the time.
A Dynamic Class The most successful and enduring keel boat class, sailed in 30 countries, with 30+ new boats built each year.
Sailed at Club, National and International
Events Whatever your skill level or sailing aspirations, there are plenty of regattas to sail in both summer and winter.
Sailed Where the Sun Shines and the Water is Warm There is an extensive international circuit with great venues with from 20 to 60+ boats on the start line.
A Friendly Class with Great Parties Experienced Dragon sailors share tips and discuss the days racing ashore in the club bar or regatta beer tent.
The Choice of Kings, Olympians and Discerning Helms everywhere Race against some of the world’s best, with trophies for “Corinthian” crews.
Thanks to the BDAs (Belgian and British)!
Class Rules
Racing Rules (World Sailing)
Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024
Note there are often country prescriptions to the World Sailing Rules.
Racing Dragons
Under the Class Rules, if you plan to race your Dragon, you must have a valid Measurement Certificate and you must be a current member of your National Dragon Association. When you buy a Dragon in the US or Canada, send the existing Measurement Certificate to us and we will register you as the new owner and send you a new Measurement Certificate. If you don’t have the original documents you can apply to us for a Provisional Measurement Certificate.
Equipment for Racing
IDA Regatta Regulations
World Sailing Sailor Classification – Registration is required for Graded events and Classification is required for Corinthian events.
Racing Tips
Speed & Smarts by David Dellenbaugh
Sailing World Sailing How To
The Science of Telltales UK Sailmakers
Racing Clinics
North U Seminars
Dragon Racing Clinics with Stavros
Racing Handicap
PHRF ratings are set regionally so there is some variation.
Lake Ontario PHRF rating is 195 with spinnaker and 210 without spinnaker. Nova Scotia (Mahone Bay) PHRF is 207 without spinnaker. And Pacific NW PHRF rating is 216 with kite. Generally if it’s more than 10 knots, you should be competitive.
Sailing Dragons
Tuning Guides
Dragon Tuning Manual by Vincent Hoesch for Fritz Dragon sails
Dragon Speed Guide from North Sails
Trim Tips from Petticrows
Dragon Tuning Guide North Sails
Maintenance
Recent article from the IDA magazine on routine maintenance.
Check your spinnaker!
Insurance
Boat Insurance 101 – from the Gowrie Group – US based, but some good advice for all.
ADA Members get a good rate via USSailing.
Dragon Owners in BC can contact James McDonald at Navis Marine Insurance Brokers for a quote on One Design insurance for Dragons.
Weather
US National Weather Service
Environment Canada
Windfinder.com
sailflow.com
Great Lakes
Local Knowledge
Puget Sound, Seattle
Tidal Currents Puget Sound