RYA Cymru Wales blog – make a date with The Dragon Series!
The Dragon Series is back! I’m pleased to announce that all of the dates and venues for 2025 have been confirmed so you can add them to your calendar 😊
Run by the RYA Cymru Wales regional committees and local clubs, the series will again run from May through to the end of summer 2025, with a total of 11 events for youth and junior sailors of all ages and abilities across the North, South and West.
Nearly 100 young sailors enjoyed the 2024 Dragon Series to develop and test their racing skills and we’re looking forward to even more taking part this year!
Please do make the most of this regional racing series for new and seasoned young sailors.
For experienced sailors, the series provides additional time on the water with a chance to race at a variety of venues, offering a full range of conditions from shifty light airs to sea breezes, and from inland tactics and flat water to waves and tide.
There is also always a very warm welcome for rookies - every event will have an RYA Cymru Wales coach on hand and offer a supportive environment for those who may be new to racing or travelling away from their home club for the first time.
Dragon dates for your diary
SOUTH- 10 May - Tata Steel SC
- 24 May - Llandegfedd SC
- 7 June - Cardiff Bay YC
WEST
- 17 May - Neyland YC
- 27 July - Fishguard Bay YC
- 2 August - Pembrokshire YC
- 17 August - Dale YC/ Celtic Sea
NORTH
- 8 June - Dovey YC
- 14 June- Shotwick SC
- 20 July - Port Dinorwic SC
- 16 August - Llyn Brenig SC
With entry for each event set at £20 for singlehanders and £25 for double handers, it makes for an affordable day out at regional venues without too much travel involved.
The overall prize giving will then take place at our OnBoard Festival for Wales over the weekend of 30-31 August 2025 at Bala Sailing Club.
Find all the dates and information you need - including entry links for each event when available - at Dragon Series 2025.
Top tips
- All events will have lots of support on the water and on shore and no question is a silly question - whether you want to check info from the briefing, rig set up or course details, just ask a club volunteer, fellow parent or coach!
- Read the supplementary SIs (Sailing Instructions) as these will include some really clear information about what you need to do, including registration and start times.
- If you’re a new ‘traveller’ and don’t yet own a boat - or feel nervous about trailing or car topping for the first time – ask other parents for advice, join up with someone with a multi-stacker, or ask the host club about borrowing a boat to take part.
- Check out my handy guide to the Dragon Series and feel free to drop me a line to get in touch if there’s anything you’re not sure about.
- Go to as many events as you can (three out of four events for the North and West or two out of three for the South) to claim your free Welsh dragon series T-shirt!
Stepping stone
These events are a really easy stepping stone if you’ve just started and want to get into racing in an enjoyable environment. And they’re also not just about competing, they’re about developing skills for life such as confidence, and about having fun and making friends.
I remember starting my own racing journey taking part in what was then called the CYRC Series in the 2000s. These events were a real highlight of my junior sailing and would have been my first ever experiences of travelling away from my home club. Not only did they get me hooked on racing, they were also a great way to meet other sailors my age and I used to love it!
There’s no pressure so you can try new things, there are coaches to ask whenever you want to know about something, the racing is close to the shore and the parents and volunteers have a great time too – and all at some of the most stunning locations in Wales.
As well as the Dragon Series, we’ll have entries opening soon for the Welsh Regional Junior Championships at Dale, 21-22 June 2025. Remember you can keep up with all the latest news and events by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Whether you’re brand new to the Dragon Series - having only just learnt how to sail at your local club or perhaps attended a couple of open training sessions - or a Welsh squad sailor keen to get more time on the water – we’re looking forward to seeing you!
Hatty.
