As excitement builds for the 2025 British Dragon National Championships in Torquay this July, we’re spotlighting some of the talented sailors heading to the start line. Fresh off a podium finish at the Dragon World Championship, Torvar Mirsky, tactician and crew aboard Meteor GBR403, shares his insights on the class, team dynamics, and what it takes to perform at the highest level in one of the world’s most competitive keelboat fleets.
You’ve recently come off an impressive 2nd-place finish at the 2025 Dragon World Championship. What did that result mean to you?
I’m very proud of finishing 2nd at the recent Dragon World Championships. It was a particularly special result because the event was held over six days of strong winds and big waves. Provezza dominated in those conditions, and rightly so, they sailed brilliantly.
We also commissioned a brand new Petticrows Dragon right before the event. Understandably, the team was a little nervous about using a fresh boat, Kookaburra, at such a major regatta so soon. But thanks to the quality and experience of our team, particularly Jon Jon and David, we not only got it race-ready in time but also felt fast and comfortable straight away. Also, thanks to Petticrows for working hard to make it possible. That combination of teamwork, preparation, and trust made the 2nd-place finish incredibly rewarding.
You’ve had success across a range of high-performance sailing classes. What is it about the Dragon class that keeps you coming back?
The Dragon is special to me because it combines high-level competition with a strong European racing circuit, which fits well with my lifestyle. The class has a nearly 100-year tradition, and it’s raced internationally at a consistently high level.
The dragon is relatively easy to sail around a course, but incredibly difficult to master and win events. That challenge is humbling and addictive. The one-design rules also mean the racing is tight and fair. Older boats remain competitive, which keeps the fleet strong and committed.
For me, the Dragon allows a rare combination I get to sail professionally while also using it to stay sharp. Many pro sailors need to sail other classes outside of their jobs to keep improving. I’m lucky that the Dragon does both for me.
What do you think sets the Meteor team apart in terms of crew dynamics or race strategy?
To be honest, I’m not sure there’s a single defining feature; we just try to do things properly and enjoy it! We’ll be racing Pete Cooke’s beautiful wooden Pedersen and Thuesen Dragon from the 1960s, and sometimes the main strategy is simply to avoid crashing or sinking!
We’ve been working closely with Katie Cole and Tim Tavinor to get Meteor prepared for the Edinburgh Cup and the Wooden Dragon World Cup later this year. What sets us apart is probably our shared attitude: we each take our roles seriously, we prepare well, and we aim to enjoy the moment. It’s a privilege to be out on the water doing what we love. Racing is the perfect way to test yourself, not just as a sailor but in terms of character and teamwork. I appreciate and thrive in that aspect of it.
The dragon is relatively easy to sail around a course, but incredibly difficult to master and win events.
That challenge is humbling and addictive.
Looking ahead to the British Nationals in Torquay, how are you and the team preparing, and what are your expectations for the event?
Our team is communicating well, which is key. Logistics and organisation become even more important when you’re juggling multiple regattas. The more events you do together, the more you build routines and attention to detail, which ultimately make a difference at big events like the Nationals.
We’re still a relatively new team at this level, so it’s about putting all the pieces together. Most sailors have the skills, experience, and equipment, but turning that into consistent performance as a team takes time. You need the right information, good preparation, and the ability to prioritise under pressure. That kind of readiness starts long before the first race, with solid planning and clear roles.
For younger or newer sailors interested in joining the Dragon class, what advice would you give them about getting started and being competitive?
It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. In my opinion, there’s no better racing in Europe. I’ve developed a real appreciation for the class and want to be a positive contributor to its future.
One of my goals is to encourage more young professional sailors to get involved. I think that’s crucial for the long-term health of the class, not just to keep it competitive but also to attract new owners and keep the fleet growing. At the moment, I have a spare boat, and I’m looking to use it to help bring in younger pros who want to get a start in the Dragon. It’s a great class, and I think there’s a real opportunity for the next generation to make an impact.
GBR403 Meteor will join up to 20 other Dragons to compete for the 2025 Edinburgh Cup. Full details on the British Dragon national championships can be found here >>
