#DRAGON – Irish sailors will be vying for the prestigious Dragon Gold Cup from 8th-15th September 2012 when it is contested on Irish waters by Kinsale Yacht Club.
Leading the Irish challenge will be Dun Laoghaire sailor Martin Byrne who won the Dragon Edinburgh Cup last July.
Kinsale last held a major Dragon event in 2003 for the European Championships. Many of the famous sailors who attended that event will be expected to return for the Gold Cup in 2012, including current world champion Lawrie Smith, ex world champions Poul Ricard Hoj-Jensen and Tomas Muller and a number of former world champions and Olympians from other classes who now compete in the Dragon class internationally as well as the strong Irish Dragon fleet.The Dragon Gold Cup was last held in Ireland in 1997 when the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire hosted the event.
The 2012 Cup will attract approximately 80 boats and participants will be coming from all over the world, including Australia, Scandinavia, Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, UK and other European Countries.
Kinsale Yacht Club is well positioned to host this major Dragon event as it is has a good reputation for great racing, top class facilities on and off the water as well as great accommodation and restaurants that bring sailors back to Kinsale.
The Dragon attracts competitors from all over Europe, along with Royal participation, ex Olympian Pol Ricard Hoj-Jensen, many current professionals, world champion, Lawrie Smith and very accomplished Corinthians. The Gold Cup is a very Special event as participants aren't required to qualify, unlike the Worlds and Europeans therefore it attracts a superb atmosphere with a mix of serious sailors and those interested in the sailing and social programme.
The notice of race has just been finalised and may be viewed on the event website.
The Dragon Nationals held in Kinsale in August 2011
