Inevitably at this stage in the season, there hasn’t yet been much activity among the British Classic Dragons. Many of them take longer to reach the water each year than their GRP cousins due to the demands of wear and tear, paint and varnish. However, honourable mention should be made of Harkaway (Tim Hannon) who has been competing for several weekends at Aldeburgh in the Wednesday evening handicaps. Not perhaps a very exalted competition but she is on the water and would definitely welcome company.
Regattas
In the last newsletter I mentioned last year’s Flensburg and San Remo events. These won’t be happening this year but should reappear in 2025.
The BDA has made some additions to its trophies and competitions, aimed at encouraging more participation by Classic and Vintage boats. There will be Travellers’ prizes for both categories. A number of regattas have been selected and the best three will count. The prize for each category will be a magnum of champagne, presented at the BDA Annual Dinner. Attendance is mandatory! Full details of the eligible regattas, scoring etc will be available on the website shortly.
Boats
I don’t have much news on boats. It isn’t clear whether Skal and Nereus are actually going to Holland or not. Penguin is being energetically renovated in Bristol by Felix Bowers. Meantime there seems to be a steady accumulation of Classics (and some Vintage boats) at Demon Yachts in Aldeburgh in very varied condition. A visit there shows much of the history of the class from a boat with bunks and the long coachroof (Laju) onwards. Several are for sale and prices roughly reflect condition.
Elsewhere the situation hasn’t really changed. Boats are available. Deals are opaque and the key question remains to unite those who really want to sail with the boats at prices that work for both sides.
- Patrick Gifford