UPDATE FROM IDA CHAIRMAN

Dear Dragon Friends 

While we wait and wonder if we can go sailing in 2020 we are planning for a return to a very full schedule in 2021. The Grand Prix schedule 2021 has been announced and the IDA board has done its best  to put a feasible programme together – respecting the IDA rules and in  communication with the National Associations and the OC. While it is clear that not everyone’s wishes can be satisfied, we believe that it provides a full and logical circuit of events.

The Championship events include a rescheduled Europeans in Puerto Portals, the Worlds in Kuhlungsborn and the Gold Cup in Marstrand.

The Europeans have been rescheduled for April ’21 in Puerto Portals because of demand from sailors not to lose this major championship, but most especially taking into consideration the fact that the organisers had to cancel this year due to the Coronavirus at considerable loss to themselves. 

For 2020 we are still taking decisions on a day to day basis as none of us knows what the future brings, or when we will be able to travel freely without taking risks for our health. We will keep you all updated on a regular basis.

Thank you for your understanding in these special times. 

The IDA Board – freely elected volunteers devoted to the Class – always welcome feedback from Dragon sailors either through the IDA structures of the National Associations and the Owners’ Committee, a subcommittee created by the IDA Board to advise on Grand Prix locations. We cannot always follow all the suggestions we receive but that does not mean they are not valued. The IDA Board represents all Dragon sailors and wishes to communicate with all of you! If you have any questions, requests or suggestions please email your National Association who will pass it on to us.  

Please use these structures rather than social media to communicate with us. Social media seems to bring out the worst in us and often good ideas get lost in a sea of ill-considered opinion and unfounded comments. 

Our International Dragon fleet is the largest one-design fleet in the world. One of its most important distinctions is the remarkable  sporting fairness on water and on land – where amateurs compete against highly respected professionals not only in local national regattas but also in international events. Let us please continue this tradition in our noble class!

Best regards and stay safe!

Jens Rathsack 
Chairman – International Dragon Association