Success for Dragon Series 2024

Nearly 100 youth and junior sailors took part in Dragon Series traveller events across Wales during the 2024 season to develop and test their racing skills.

Run by the RYA Cymru Wales regional committees and local clubs, the series ran from May through to the end of August, providing training and racing across 10 events in total for all ages and abilities in the North, South and West.

For experienced racers, the series provided additional time on the water racing at a variety of different venues, while for rookies the events offered a warm welcome and were ideal for building confidence.

Fun and friendship

Sarah McGovern, Performance Manager Wales / Rheolwr Perfformiad Cymru, said: “These one day events are a brilliant introduction for new racers sailing away from their home club for the first time, providing a fantastic way to make friends, have fun and practise their skills on new waters.

“This year the sailors have had a mix of conditions racing on lakes, tidal waters and the open sea, with winds varying from a light breeze at Mumbles Yacht Club to a blustery day at Shotwick Lake Sailing Club. No matter the weather, all events have managed to go ahead.

“A huge thank you to the Regional Committees and the clubs for hosting the events. Giving back is a huge part of the Dragon Series and the events wouldn’t have happened without all the amazing volunteers and parents.”

A total of 98 sailors took part in the Dragon Series in 2024 and for those attending two or more events there was the added bonus of a free T-shirt!

North Dragon Series

Three events took place for the Dragon Series in the North at Port Dinorwic Sailing Club, Shotwick Lake Sailing Club and Llyn Brenig Sailing Club, with the overall winners for 2024 as follows:

• RS Tera Pro: Elen Thomas (PDSC)
• RS Tera Sport: Harry Bennell (PDSC)
• Topper 4.2: Oliver Venning (PDSC)
• Topper 5.3: Thomas Venning (PDSC)

West Dragon Series

Three events took place in the West at Neyland Yacht Club, Fishguard Bay Yacht Club and Dale Yacht Club. The overall winners were:

• General Handicap: ILCA6 Keira Edwards (Neyland YC/Pembrokeshire YC)
• RS Tera Mini: Seb Kummer (Neyland YC)
• RS Tera Pro: Anwen Sims (Neyland YC)
• RS Tera Sport: Liam Franz (Neyland YC)
• Topper Fleet: Rubi Kleinjans (Fishguard Bay YC)

South Dragon Series

Four events took place in the South at Llandegfedd Sailing Club, Tata Steel Sailing Club, Mumbles Yacht Club and Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. The overall winners were:

• General Handicap: 29er Dan Powell/Baz Sanderson-Wood (CBYC/ Llandegfedd)
• Optimist Gold: Jack Harding (CBYC)
• Optimist Silver: Xenis Hudson-Evans (CBYC)
• Optimist Training: Ella Bourke (CBYC)
• RS Tera Pro: Logan Claypole (Mumbles YC)
• Topper 4.2: Kyle Bocking (Llandegfedd SC)
• Topper Gold: Alexa Atkins (Barry)
• Topper Silver: Griff Attrill (CBYC)
• Topper Training: Louis Beaumont (CBYC)

Join in!

Find out more about the Dragon Series and get set for next year’s events by keeping an eye on the opportunities available through our open training programme.

Next up is the RYA Cymru Wales OnBoard Festivals at Dale and Bala (31 Aug-1 Sept) and entries are now open for the Welsh Youth and Junior Championships, which are also an indicator for those seeking selection to our Welsh National Sailing Team squads.

Keep up with all the latest news and events by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook, X and Instagram.