The Dragon is one of the most beautiful and prestigious keelboat classes in the world and with more than 1,400 boats racing worldwide it is also one of the largest.

Designed in Norway in 1929 the Dragon quickly became a leading international class and in 1948 it became an Olympic Class, a status it retained until 1972. It remains the only Olympic yacht ever to have a genuinely popular following outside the Games.

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 ensured 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.

Both Classic and Modern Dragons are welcome at Cowes Classics Week.

Photo: Courtesy British Dragon Association 

Links: www.britishdragons.org