Entries for the 2019 Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup, to be held at Medemblik on the Ijsselmeer, Netherlands, from 8 to 14 June, have now exceeded 100 boats with teams from sixteen countries and four continents participating. First presented in 1936, the Dragon Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious trophies in yacht racing and is also widely regarded as one of the most challenging to win.
Racing takes place on a 12 nautical mile long windward leeward course and the rules state that there shall be no discarded races, so consistency, superb planning and preparation are essential to success. There will be a practice race on Saturday 8 June and championship racing will take place between Sunday 9 and Friday 14 June, with up to six races scheduled.
The Race Committee will be led by John Borsboom, ably supported by International Race Officer Rob Hoogstra and the highly experienced Royal Hollandia Yacht Club race management team. This group bring immense experience of both the local waters and top-level international competition, so race management of the highest quality is anticipated.
The fleet will be moored in the Oosterharbour at the heart of Medemblik and alongside outstanding racing, the organisers have planned a superb social programme to entertain both the sailors and their accompanying friends and family. The Gold Cup is not only one of the Dragon’s most important regattas, but also a wonderful annual opportunity for Dragon sailing friends and family to gather and enjoy the camaraderie and social life for which the fleet is renowned.
The famous Café Brakeboer, directly opposite the regatta offices, will be the social hub of the regatta, providing the perfect quayside gathering point. The fleet will be welcomed on Saturday 8 June with Dragon Gold Cup Special Ale sponsored by Lakeview Consultancy. On Sunday June 9 the Mayor of Medemblik will officially declare the Gold Cup Plaza open and the first of the nightly post racing drinks and snacks will be served. Contest Yachts will host Happy Hour on Monday 10 June, while on Tuesday 11 June Yanmar Night will bring together some 400 guests for a gala dinner in the historic Bonifatius Church. Wednesday will feature live music, Thursday is Dutch Night courtesy of Van Omme & De Groot Project Management, and the regatta concludes on Friday 14 June with the Prize Giving Ceremony at the Medemblik Regatta Centre Harbour.
Alongside title sponsor partner Yanmar Marine International and the social partners listed above, the regatta has also received generous sponsorship support from a number of other organisations.
Code | Zero has been appointed as the official clothing supplier to the regatta and some 320 technical shirts, 50 polo shirts and 360 caps are currently in production for presentation to the competitors and organisers.
Medemblik Municipality and the associated Stadshaven BV will provide shore facilities, mooring and car and trailer parking space. WindProfit BV’s support includes the provision of a classic wooden 10 Mtr CR Yacht, designed by Johan Anker who also designed the Dragon, for use by spectators.
Menken Maritiem provides tenders for the spectator boats and to ferry the competitors to and from the harbour. An SMS alert service will be provided for participants thanks to Evolve BV / MTEL, while FreshPortal BV and sister company Traction-IT BV are providing website and mail services.
Memorablia for prize winners are sponsored by Jachtschade Nederland, Van Hulzen Communicatie bring PR advice, Mammoet Heavy Transport will sponsor additional cranes and Making Waves, the local Dragon dealer, has donated a new sail for a special Tombola. Also providing general support are Wood Drying and Energy Systems BV, ARBO Ruigewaard BV, Team Medemblik and Jacob Roosjen European Silver.
Entry for the 2019 Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup is open until 26 May, after which a late entry fee will be charged. Dragon sailors from around the globe are invited to participate and a limited number of charter boats are available for the event.
For more information including online entry please visit www.dragongoldcup2019.com or contact info@dragongoldcup2019.com