NA Dragon Newsletter

North American Dragon News July 2014

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Buying a Dragon

There are a number of options to consider if you want to buy a Dragon in North America.

Some people are looking for a wooden boat project. These range from boats in decent condition, where someone with some carpentry experience can make basic repairs and cosmetic fixes. Others (like those requiring extensive structural work) will need the time and expertise of an experienced boatwright or shipwright to do the work. Most wooden Dragons in North America are from the 50s and 60s, although there are a couple of newer cold moulded ones here. There are also some fully restored wooden Dragons available from time to time.

Others want a fiberglass Dragon for ease of maintenance. There are very few used glass Dragons for sale in North America. If you want a glass Dragon, you should consider importing one from Europe, where there is a good second hand market, especially in the UK. Shipping costs vary between $3000 and $6000 for east and west coast destinations, and there will be state/provincial sales tax and federal duty to pay. Most used Dragons from the UK are sold with a double-axle trailer and several sets of sails.

No matter what route you take, remember to get a copy of the Class Rules and Plans to make sure your Dragon is still a Dragon when you are finished any repairs or rigging changes! Your best assurance to a boat's provenance, new or old, is a Builders' Measurement Certificate; ask for it when you are considering a purchase.

There are currently 14 "woodies" and 3 glass Dragons listed on the NA Dragons website.

2014 Events

Congrats to skipper Mike Mahar and crew on USA297, The Schmucks for winning the Dragon One Design racing at CRW. There was close competition in the fleet of seven Dragons with first and second places separated by one point and a tie for third in a series of six races with no throw outs. Saturday racing was in breezy conditions with lumpy seas. Sunday started with SE winds and flat seas then switched around to NE winds to finish the day in sun and 10 -15 knots. Perfect for Dragons! Dragon sailors old and new got together on Saturday night at a local pub for an excellent evening. Photos are on the NA Dragons page on Flickr.

Congrats to Ken Reid and crew on Eagle CAN122 who fought a close fleet of six in shifty and light conditions at the Royal Vancouver YC WAVES OD Regatta. Details on the NA Dragons Forum (you don't have to be a member to read it although you do have to be a member to post replies etc.).

2015 Events

The ADA and CDA are looking at sponsoring two Regional Championships in 2015. In the West, the event would be held as part of NOOD Seattle, and in the East, a similar event would be held as part of Cleveland Race Week. Both are premier One Design events which would help showcase the Dragon Class.

Miscellany

The July/August edition of Wooden Boat Magazine has an article on Johan Anker as well as the story of the restoration of USA144 Hubris, owned by Chris Rocke of Neenah WI.

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85th Anniversary

To celebrate the 85th year of the Dragon, NA Dragons are holding a lottery for Members every three months. Our second winner is Charles Holder, owner of CAN132 Black Magic and a member of the Vancouver Fleet. Charles will receive a 25L Gill Wet/Dry bag with the Dragon 85th logo on it. Details on the next prize draw are on the website.

Merchandise

Dragon branded sailing gear is available from a couple of sources:
Coral Reef Sailing Apparel
Make Graville Island
North Flags
If you want copies of the logos, contact us.

Membership

At the end of June we reported 49 Dragons registered in the US and Canada , an increase of 5 over 2013 numbers.

Welcome to new Members: Daivd Stinson who owns Andromeda CAN93 a 1961 Van de Stadt and sails out of RCYC in Toronto, Tommy James who owns Scamp, USA256 a 1974 Savell and sails out of Edgewater YC in Cleveland, and Jonathan Leopold of Atlanta GA who is new to Dragons.

National Sailing Authorities

The ADA is a Class Member of US Sailing. ADA Members get a 20% discount on individual membership.
The CDA is a Class Member of Sail Canada.