Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup on the horizon!

Dragon specialists far and wide get ready! Douarnenez is set to be the World Dragon Capital from 16th to 24th August, when it will host the Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup. Since its creation in 1937, the event, which is considered one of the most famous yachting trophies and comparable to a World Cup, has been held five times in France, four of which were in Douarnenez; namely the great trust confided in the Société des Régates de Douarnenez (lit. Douarnenez Regatta Society) by the International Dragon Association (IDA).

Douarnenez, the bay, the Regatta Society (SRD) .… 

Following the editions held in 1981, 1996 and 2006, from 16^th-24^th August this year the Bay of Douarnenez, one of the most highly valued sailing venues by Dragon sailors, will welcome nearly one hundred crews from across the Dragon class worldwide, between August 16^th – 24^th, 2013

A magnificent race course, an experienced organization and a real sense of welcome, are the common factors named by sailors who have taken part in one of the numerous sailing events on Douarnenez waters. As well as its privileged natural setting, the cité Pen Sardin can also claim the experience and enthusiasm of the SRD and its wonderfully efficient ‘troupe’ of volunteers.

The Dragon class, more than a sport

No other international series, with the exception of the Star class which dates back to 1911 and is still an Olympic class, has been as successful throughout the century, as the Dragon. This elegant 9-metre sail boat was created at the end of the 1920s by the Norwegian architect Johan Anker, and with its fabulous racing qualities in absolutely no time at all it had made its name as an ideal racing class, so much so that it became the official class in the 1948 Olympic Games, a status that it held for over twenty years. Gradually developing over the years, yet maintaining its monotype design; (where it is the skills of the sailor that really make the difference) this wonderful sail boat with ‘pure’ outline  has defied fashion and enamoured a loyal clientele of fine helmsman and lovers of these beautiful hulls.

Today’s dynamic fleet and large family of Dragon sailors come together to indulge in some fierce battles, yet they are still defined by the etiquette of the early days of yachting.

Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup

The Russian Dragon sailors discovered the Bay of Douarnenez in 2004 for the Grand Prix Petit Navire. The strong bond they developed has meant a gradual increase in the number of participants ever since, and every year they come to race at les Pen Sardin. As such it was a natural step for major gas company Gazprom International to join forces with the SRD for the organization of the Dragon Gold Cup.

The art of racing is undeniably what best defines the spirit of the Dragon class, and no better a show than the Gazprom International Dragon Gold Cup in Douarnenez to illustrate it. Firstly for its incredible bay and the truly impressive quality of the setting, and secondly in its role as meeting point for the main players in the series: World, European and French champions, winners of the Grand Prix Guyader (who achieved their success in the same bay), Olympic medallists and multiple world title-holders will all come face to face to battle it out in one long three-hour race a day, among them Luc Pillot (FR), Markus Wiezer (UKR), Vincent Hoesch (DE), Laurie Smith (US).