Solent

Solent Dragon Fleet

Sailing International Dragons from Cowes

Sailing an International Dragon in the Solent provides fantastic challenges for the enthusiastic day boat racer.  The local fleet is made up of several modern and classic dragons.  We race from the end of April to the end of September.  Racing is coordinated by Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club for club racing, we also take part in other key Solent events hosted by other clubs in Cowes. 

Our club racing offers a mixture of round-the-cans, long-distance races and individual trophy races, the pinnacle event each year no doubt the ubiquitous Cowes Week.

Cowes is the spiritual home of keel boat racing and the Dragon Fleet has been an established part of the Cowes scene since the 1940s. The roster of fleet championship winners is a who’s who of South Coast sailors – the Duke of Edinburgh’s yacht Bluebottle was class champion in 1954

In addition to the weekend club sailing, there are a number of regattas throughout the year open to the fleet and visitors.  In 2025 there is a packed schedule for Dragons.

In 2023 the Solent fleet ran a highly successful 75th Edinburgh Cup and Grade 1 Grand Prix. We are delighted to have been asked to host again in 2026. Aligned to this, Cowes Week is 200 in 2026, therefore the Solent will be the place to race your Dragon, get the dates in your diaries now and come join in the fun.

If you were ever going to do Cowes Week the 200th is the year to do it!!

  • 1st – 7th August 2026 – Cowes Week 200th Anniversary
  • 18th – 21st August – Edinburgh Cup incorporating IDA Grade 1 Grand Prix

The fleet is highly competitive with no quarter given on the water. On shore it is warm and welcoming, taking advantage of the clubs and restaurants in Cowes and its surrounds. We are always delighted to introduce visitors, prospective owners and crews to the joy of sailing Dragons in the Solent.


For further information please contact the Solent team
Chris Grosscurth Captain chris.grosscurth@gmail.com
Owen Pay, Vice Captain owen_pay@yahoo.co.uk
Andrew Millband, Fleet Secretary andrewmillband@sky.com

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