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, see also the WA International Dragon Class Association www.dragonclass.org.au
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, see also the WA International Dragon Class Association www.dragonclass.org.au
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 23
Winter activities underway
Items noted included:
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 23
Winter activities underway
- Midweek sailing - A regular group of three dragons have been appearing at the start line. Sandy Anderson in Blue Marlin, Trish Ford/John Standley in Canewdon Witch and Gerry McGann in Sea Joy. Dragons compete in the B Fleet 3:10pm start. 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.
- Richard Lynn with crew Ethan Prieto-Low and Adam Brenz-Verca negotiated light and shifty winds to be placed a credible 11th at the recent World Championships in Bodrum, Turkey. Full results for the World Championship can be found here: DRAGON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
- Our best wishes to Sandy Anderson, Susie Parker and Caroline Gibson who are off to Torquay UK to sail Rob Campbell’s UK dragon in the Gold Cup in September. Follow the action here: Dragon Gold Cup 2023 | Hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club
- Rob Campbell & Penny Anderson (PennyFarthing) are back in the UK also sailing in various events and we hope to share some results soon!
- Ian Malley organised some informal Wednesday Evening Talks in June and July with sessions on Sailing Dragons by John Cassidy attended by Owners/Helmspeople.
- Sunday Frostbites: Race 5 is on 6 August 2:00pm, Race 7 on 17 September 10:00am and Presentations are on 17 September. Up to five dragons have been turning up on the startline so far. Come down and join these hardy souls!
- Wednesday Evening Talks starting at 6:00pm are being scheduled for late winter and will be advised to the Dragon Fleet by email. Look forward to a lively Rules and Protest session by John Standley in September.
- Thursday Mid Week Autumn-Winter Series continues with a start at 3:10pm.
- Women’s Helm Regatta (Saracen Plate Trophy) will be held on Sunday, October 15. Contact Sandy Anderson or Ray Chatfield if interested.
Items noted included:
- Special welcome to new Fleet Captain Sandy Anderson and grateful acknowledgement of Kevin Palassis for his time as Fleet captain.
- Noted the continuing committee members: David Meager (President), Gerry McGann (Secretary), John Anderson (Treasurer), Ray Chatfield, Jack Lynn, Ian Malley (Measurer & Technical), Willy Packer, Rod Williams, Robyn Johnston and Susan Parker.
- Ian Malley continues to oversee the development of the Strategic Plan seeking and including feedback from all owners. The nomination/allocation of responsibilities for delivering on the two-year action plan is underway.
- Follow up of issues raised at the May AGM:
- AIDCL representation on IDA Executive – referred to AIDCL;
- Application of WAIDA reserve funds – reviewed and will be applied to future promotions and major events;
- PPC 2025 timing - reconsidered but as agreed with AIDA and WAIDA Committee previously, kept to early January.
- An audit and review of the collection of Dragon Class trophies held by RFBYC and WAIDA to ensure all are included and allocated, de-commissioned or re-allocated. Further advice from the Committee will be forthcoming.
- Planning for on-water coaching sessions during the season.
- Planning of the 2023-24 Summer Sailing Program to be issued shortly.
- State Championships 23 to 25 February 2024.
