Dragon (Int) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the International Dragon begins in 1928, when the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club (GKSS) in Sweden launched a design competition for an affordable cruising keelboat. Johann Anker's winning design in 1929 resulted in the Dragon, which was intended to be "relatively fast" while also offering a degree of cruising capability. This design philosophy led to a class renowned for extremely close racing, where sailing skills consistently predominate. The Dragon's inherent characteristics quickly propelled it to international prominence, leading to the donation of the Dragon Gold Cup for international competition in 1937. Its prestige culminated in its selection as an Olympic Class yacht, a status it held from the 1948 London Games until 1972. notes]

Despite losing its Olympic status, the Dragon's popularity has endured into the 21st century, a testament to its timeless appeal and competitive spirit. notes] The class has seen continuous refinement over the years, with notable changes including the enlargement and improvement of the spinnaker in 1975, and more recent advancements focusing on sail and rig controls, often incorporating new rope fibers.

Petticrows, a British boatbuilder with roots dating back to 1896, significantly contributed to the Dragon's modern era. In 1988, the company embarked on a pivotal journey, constructing its first International Dragon. This marked a significant specialization for Petticrows, leading them to become synonymous with the class. Under the guidance of individuals like Tim Tavinor, who played a crucial role in their Dragon building project and later owned the company, Petticrows expertly managed the transition from traditional wooden and cold-moulded Dragons to modern fiberglass (GRP) construction. They have collaborated with esteemed naval architects such as Ian Howlett, who optimized the original hull shape for Petticrows' debut model in 1988, and Brendan Dobroth, who contributed to the successful "Petticrow 2000" model. Petticrows continues to build new Dragons, including their v6.1 series, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining the class's vibrant competitiveness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The International Dragon, with a length overall of just under 29 feet and a narrow beam of 6.42 feet, is engineered for spirited performance and precise handling. As a strict one-design class, its performance is highly regulated by class rules that control hull shape, weight, weight distribution, and sail plan. This meticulous control ensures that racing outcomes are dictated by the skill of the crew rather than technological advantage, making it a favorite among experienced helmsmen.

Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a fin keel and a displacement of 3740 lbs, provides a balanced and responsive platform. Sailors consistently describe the Dragon as a boat that offers an engaging sailing experience, capable of excellent upwind performance and exhilarating downwind runs with its large spinnaker. The boat's design fosters incredibly close racing, demanding high levels of tactical acumen and boat handling from its three-person crew. It is known for being sensitive to trim and adjustments, rewarding skilled sailors with optimal speed and control across various wind conditions and sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The International Dragon was originally conceived with a dual purpose: a relatively fast racing boat that could also serve as a small coastal cruiser. However, its evolution has heavily favored its role as a competitive one-design racer, and this is reflected in its interior accommodations. According to class rules, the internal arrangements of the cabin and cabin fittings are largely optional, providing flexibility for owners to configure the space for racing or minimal cruising needs.

Early Dragon designs did include basic berths in a cabin, suggesting some capability for overnighting. However, modern racing versions of the Dragon typically feature "vestigial cabin trunks" and a minimalist interior, prioritizing light weight and accessibility for race operations over extensive cruising amenities. The interior is generally spartan, focusing on essential structural components and providing space for sails and racing gear rather than comfort. As such, while the hull does enclose a cabin area, it is not designed for extended liveaboard cruising, emphasizing the boat's primary purpose as a high-performance racing machine.