In the wake of the European Championships in Spain last weekend, Dragon sailors around Ireland are celebrating the success of Andrew Craig and his crew of Chimaera for their silver-medal achievement. The team from the Royal St George Yacht Club now ranks second to Conor Doyle's gold medal at the same event in 1978.
The absence of a large attendance did little to reduce the level of competition and with the top six boats from the last world championship in attendance, Craig along with Anthony Shanks and Graham Elmes can be well pleased with the result. Overall victory went to the irrepressible Pol Ricard Ho Jensen whose winning genes have passed on to his son Klaus, the reigning world champion and crew for his father at the Europeans.
The 18-boat turnout at Laredo on the north coast of Spain raised a regular class polemic of where major events should be staged. The two competing arguments are locating championships either at well-supported venues or locations where class development would result from the staging of a high-profile event. Currently, the latter argument holds sway. Slightly further north than either that Caribbean hideaway and Bilbao, Kinsale has been confirmed as the host club for the 2003 Europeans. Not that the Cork venue is in need of a boost; 16 boats are racing there now, although Munster Dragon supremos Conor Doyle and Alan Crosbie have both retired from the class recently.
When discussing the Dragon class it's hard not to touch on the sensitive issue of money. Fact is, these aren't cheap boats to sail. New boats ready to sail with road-trailers cost around IR£40,000. However, the class profile has changed significantly, as owners become more efficient in managing the cost of their sport. Few single owner boats remain in the class as the trend of partnered boats spreads the load of the purchase and annual running costs.
The rapid predominance of dry sailing at the major venues has reduced maintenance costs and increased the resale value of Dragons kept in near pristine condition.
The class in Ireland also has a fewer number of domestic events leading to higher quantity and quality at championships that cover the country. Once again, higher entry fees - up to £100 per boat - allow a higher standard of race management facilities and attractions for the fleet.
With such expense involved, it is only natural that Dragon sailors will endeavour to get the best value for such commitment to their racing. With such high standards of boats, equipment and race management, it follows that increased competition afloat will inevitably lead to a higher standard of ability: Craig's accolade is totally deserved but a share of his success must also be due to the class that made it all possible.
