Dragons
RFBYC’s Dragon Fleet Captain is: Sandy Anderson
The Western Australian Dragon fleet prides itself on being the friendliest and most inclusive classes at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.
We enthusiastically welcome new sailors to the joys of Dragon sailing and have a number of initiatives to bring new people to the class through free coaching on Saturday mornings and a women’s helm regatta held at the beginning of the season.
You don’t need to own a Dragon to get involved. Dragon teams at RFBYC are always on the lookout for good enthusiastic crew and will be happy to find sailing opportunities to suit your availability and skills (and all skill levels are welcome so even if you are relatively new to sailing please get in touch – you will be made very welcome).
If you are thinking about buying a Dragon and would like to test sail a boat or need advice on where to sail, which boat to purchase or any other aspect of Dragon sailing again the WAIDA members will be delighted to help set up some test sailing and share their experience and expertise with you.
Dragons have a rich history. They were designed in 1929, were the Olympic class between 1958-1972 and made their debut at RFBYC with the introduction of the first boat “Leander” by Ernie Tomlinson in 1950.
Their longevity can be attributed to the close competition, the ease of handling (only 3-4 crew needed) and, as you become more competitive, their highly technical nature.
There are 24 Dragons registered with the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC).
The major Western Australian Dragon Championships comprise the RFBYC Club Championship which is a seven race series held over the Clubs summer racing calendar from October to April and the WA State Championships, generally six or seven races series held in February/March.
For further information contact the fleet captain or [email protected]
The Western Australian Dragon fleet prides itself on being the friendliest and most inclusive classes at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.
We enthusiastically welcome new sailors to the joys of Dragon sailing and have a number of initiatives to bring new people to the class through free coaching on Saturday mornings and a women’s helm regatta held at the beginning of the season.
You don’t need to own a Dragon to get involved. Dragon teams at RFBYC are always on the lookout for good enthusiastic crew and will be happy to find sailing opportunities to suit your availability and skills (and all skill levels are welcome so even if you are relatively new to sailing please get in touch – you will be made very welcome).
If you are thinking about buying a Dragon and would like to test sail a boat or need advice on where to sail, which boat to purchase or any other aspect of Dragon sailing again the WAIDA members will be delighted to help set up some test sailing and share their experience and expertise with you.
Dragons have a rich history. They were designed in 1929, were the Olympic class between 1958-1972 and made their debut at RFBYC with the introduction of the first boat “Leander” by Ernie Tomlinson in 1950.
Their longevity can be attributed to the close competition, the ease of handling (only 3-4 crew needed) and, as you become more competitive, their highly technical nature.
There are 24 Dragons registered with the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC).
The major Western Australian Dragon Championships comprise the RFBYC Club Championship which is a seven race series held over the Clubs summer racing calendar from October to April and the WA State Championships, generally six or seven races series held in February/March.
For further information contact the fleet captain or [email protected]
The Ahern family via Geoff Totterdell gifted sixteen minutes of footage originally shot on the “home movie” technology of the 8mm camera.
The footage shows some Freshwater Bay on-water activity, some of the Club’s lawn area and mostly yachts racing on
Cockburn Sound in the December-January regatta.
Dragon Update – July 24
Winter activities underway
The footage shows some Freshwater Bay on-water activity, some of the Club’s lawn area and mostly yachts racing on
Cockburn Sound in the December-January regatta.
Dragon Update – July 24
Winter activities underway
- Planning for Prince Philip Cup (Dragon Nationals) well underway for a great regatta in early January. Even if you are not sailing plenty of opportunity to volunteer and assist in running a great regatta.
- Midweek sailing on Thursday afternoons continues. A regular group of dragons have been appearing at the start line. Trish Ford/John Standley in Canewdon Witch, Gerry McGann in Sea Joy, Emma Shand in French Connection and Sandy Anderson in Blue Marlin. Dragons compete in the B Fleet 3:10pm start and if we get to 6 boats we can have a fleet within a fleet! A great opportunity to hone your sailing skills and crew work prior to the Summer Season. If you need a Thursday crew give a shout out to the Dragon community.
- RFBYC have some informal Wednesday Evening Talks in July, August and September. 14 August - Tactics with Grant Alderson, 11 September - Safety/MOB with Manfred Speicher, 15 September - MOB Demonstration morning session, 25 September - Managing Boat Ailments with Helga Weaving
- There will be a rules session before Xmas as new rule book comes into operation from 1st Jan 25
- Two teams going to the Gold Cup in Kinsale in September – Saphira and French Connection. Good luck to Ian Malley, Gerry McGann, Sandy Anderson, Emma Shand and Grant Alderson. Have a great time and bring back lots of knowledge!
- Sunday Frostbites to come 4 August 1400, 18 August 1400, 15 September 1400. Up to five dragons have been turning up on the startline so far. Come down and join these hardy souls!
- Thursday Mid Week Autumn-Winter Series morphs into the summer series from October 24 with a start at 3:10pm.
- Women’s Helm Regatta (Saracen Plate Trophy) will be held on Sunday, October 13. Contact Sandy Anderson or Ray Chatfield if interested.
- Welcome to new President – Trish Ford and committee member – Brad Stout.
- Noted the continuing committee members: Gerry McGann (Secretary), John Anderson (Treasurer), Ian Malley (Measurer & Technical), Willy Packer, Sandy Anderson, Kevin Palassis and Susan Parker.
- Ian Malley continues to oversee the development of the Strategic Plan seeking and including feedback from all owners. We are well on the way to deliver on the two-year action plan.
- Follow up of issues raised at the May AGM.
- AIDCL new president is Rob Campbell with Sandy Anderson as Vice President.
- Application of WAIDA reserve funds – reviewed and will be applied to future promotions and major events.
- PPC 2025 timing confirmed for 3rd to 10th January 2025. Dragon State Championship confirmed for 14th – 16th March 2025.
- Dates requested for on-water coaching sessions during the season.
- Planning of the 2024-25 Summer Sailing Program well underway.
