The Dragon is one of the most beautiful and prestigious keelboat classes in the world and with more than 1400 boats racing worldwide it is also one of the largest. Designed in 1929 the Dragon quickly became a leading international class and remains a world leader today.
Although an historic class the boats now being built are constructed using the very latest high technology materials and methods. Careful class rule management has ensure that a well maintained older boat can still race competitively against the latest models and there are also special competitions for the vintage Classic Dragons, many of which are still racing today.
The British Dragon Association (BDA) was established in the 1930s and currently over 100 boats regularly compete in UK regattas and the BDA has a membership of over 300. If you would like to test sail a Dragon or need further information about any aspect of Dragon sailing in Membership of the British Dragon Association brings many benefits as well as ensuring you are class legal to compete in Dragon races. Here are just a few of the benefits and services the BDA provides for its members:
- The annual BDA printed Yearbook
- Support via the BDA Committee and Secretary who are always available to help with any questions you might have
- The camaraderie of a great group of like minded people both here in the UK and around the World
- Active promotion of British Dragon sailing to the media helping to ensure the class retains a high profile, which in turn helps keep second hand boat prices high
- Technical advice on all aspects of sailing a Dragon
- Maintenance of a list of Dragon measurers and supervision of those measurers
- Five fantastic BDA events each year – the Edinburgh Cup, the East Coast Championship, the South Coast Championship, the Northern Area Championship and the British Classic Dragon Championship. Periodically a Scottish Championship is also held.
- A voice within the International Dragon Association through BDA representation at the Annual General Meetings and on the IDA Technical Committee
- This representation at the IDA also helps ensure that Britain is regularly invited to host major International Dragon Championships – the Worlds, Europeans and Gold Cup.
- Representing the interests and opinions of Dragon sailors to the RYA and ISAF and liaison with the national Dragon builders and suppliers.
- Seeking and managing sponsors for the class and its major events.
- Organising the Annual General Meeting of the class and the Annual Dinner.UK please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the BDA Committee.