International Dragon Racing in the future has now been red by more than 1400 and just received one written comment !! It is, in some areas, asking for a debate and in others stating that there are things that have to be changed. So where are you ?

Proposal 1: Professionalism

We do not think that the growing professionalism in the way, that the owner, sailing his boat and paying for one or two crew members, helping with the boat on shore and on the water, is doing any harm to the class. It has always existed and we believe that it brings more boats out sailing.




Proposal 2: Owner/charterer or owners family must be helmsman or crew.

We welcome also single boats owned by companies. This has been seen n the dragon class for years, often with the owner helming or crewing the boat. The recent development where companies/persons owns several boats in a regatta, all with professional crew, support boats and coaches, is a challenge for the spirit in the class. They have so far entered the class with high ambitions and for that reason we welcome them as individuals. Nevertheless we need to have some regulations for this professional approach to Dragon racing.




Proposal 3: Special prices for the best of all Corinthian team.

Could be done but not important.




Proposal 4: Coach boats.

We agree with the proposal for the use of coach boats. We want to race against our competitors under equal conditions , this is from leaving the dock to being back again.




Proposal 5: Professional Principal Race Officer.

Again – this year’s regattas in Oslo and Cannes showed the clear need for professional race management - 
There is no way back ! IDA !


Dragon development:

This was not in the above topics but was discussed on the owners meeting during the Gold Cup this year. The discussion was mainly between the professional sailors and boat builders, who all have different agendas. More mainsail, bigger spinnaker, longer pole, up to 300 kg lighter boat ??? 
The sun in Portugal can be strong and disturbing for the clearness of the mind !




Jørgen Bonde