FREETschüss, a fine restored Dragon,
sets the bar for what to aim for
JAKE SUGDEN/M\QVOIÆWI\
See boats for sale at classicboat.co.uk/type/buy-a-boatDRAGON CLASSDistressed Dragons
The Dragon class has been in existence since 1929, providing
high-class, one-design keelboat racing worldwide in extremely
elegant, 29ft (8.9m) boats. Originally the boats were carvel-
planked in timber, and that remained the case until 1973, when
the class switched to GRP. The wooden boats initially
remained fully competitive but as they aged, most gradually
dropped out of serious competition. They were, however, well
built boats, capable of a long life if cared for.
In Britain alone, more than 400 of these wooden Dragons
have been registered to British owners over the last 89 years.
The British Dragon Association tries to keep track of the boats
but knows of the whereabouts of only about 50. Many were
exported, some have undoubtedly come to the end of their
lives but there are almost certainly more to be found in the
back fields of boatyards or in farm sheds. They do represent a
relatively inexpensive way to own a classic wooden boat which
can potentially be used for racing at club or classic event level,
or for day cruising in considerable style.
However, because they are unlikely ever to be fully
competitive at the top of the class, they are unable to
command the class’s full attention. The result is an attractive
opportunity for enthusiasts with boat restoration skills.
Boats vary in outlay from “free to a good home” to the
£4,000 range for ones that are basically sound but need some
work done on them, up to much higher prices for the few that
are still fully competitive. This article gives the details of two
boats, one of which would be a gift and the other available at
an asking price of £8,000.
Both boats (right) ofer the prospect of an elegant classic
day racer which could take part efectively in the various
classic regattas or be a really responsive daysailer.
There are also other boats in similar circumstances and at
similar prices or possibly free. The British Dragon Association
is committed to trying to help and advise anyone interested
in them and to encouraging the development of a classic
Dragon racing scene.Article by Patrick Giford of the British Dragon Association.
Tel: +44 (0)7930 558737, [email protected]POLLY, GBR 11, is a 1966 boat, also built by Borresen. She had a very
successful early career, nearly winning the Class Championship, as the top
boat in Aldeburgh for many years and achieving an excellent result in the
Dragon Gold Cup in Denmark in 1984. She has been maintained in good
condition but was badly damaged when a tree fell on her last autumn. The
photograph gives a general view of the damage. As a result she needs
remedial work which the current owner does not feel able to undertake
and Polly is therefore available for free to anyone with the means and
spirit to take on the work required.Henry Boyd. Tel: +44 (0)7884 402012, [email protected]DRAGONFLY, GBR 453, is a 1969 boat built by Borresen in Denmark. She was
sailed very successfully for several years by Eric Williams, one of the top Solent
Dragon sailors. She has managed to stay away from dangerous trees (see
below) and is generally in good condition, except that ideally she needs a new
deck, which is a relatively simple task. She is only for sale (at £8,000) because
the current owner’s circumstances have changed and she doesn’t expect to be
able to use Dragonfly in the future.Vanessa Hutchinson. Tel: +44 (0)7970-623015
[email protected]