2024 Welsh Dragon Series: A Celebration of Heritage and Competition

Welsh Dragon Series 2024

Welsh Dragon Series 2024 © Hester Walker

Nearly 100 youth and junior sailors participated in the Dragon Series traveller events across Wales during the 2024 season to enhance their racing skills.

Organized by the RYA Cymru Wales regional committees and local clubs, the series spanned from May to August, featuring training and racing across ten events for all ages and abilities in the North, South, and West.

For experienced racers, the series offered additional racing opportunities at a variety of venues, while rookies enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere that helped build their confidence.

Fun and Friendship

Sarah McGovern, Performance Manager for Wales, remarked: “These one-day events serve as a brilliant introduction for new racers sailing away from their home club, providing a fantastic way to forge friendships, have fun, and test their skills in new waters.”

“This year, sailors experienced a mix of racing conditions across lakes, tidal waters, and the open sea, with wind conditions ranging from a light breeze at Mumbles Yacht Club to a blustery day at Shotwick Lake Sailing Club. Regardless of the weather, all events proceeded as planned.”

“A massive thank you goes to the Regional Committees and clubs for hosting these events. The spirit of giving back is a vital part of the Dragon Series, and none of this would have been possible without the contributions of dedicated volunteers and parents.”

A total of 98 sailors participated in the Dragon Series in 2024, and those who attended two or more events received a complimentary T-shirt!

North Dragon Series

Three events were held in the North at Port Dinorwic Sailing Club, Shotwick Lake Sailing Club, and Llyn Brenig Sailing Club, with the overall winners for 2024 being:

• 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 were conducted 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 included:

• 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!

The Dragon Series welcomes young sailors from across Wales and beyond, including visitors from neighboring counties.

The next event is the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships, which serve as a selection indicator for the Welsh National Sailing Team squads.

This event is open to all young sailors, not just those based in Wales, traditionally attracting entries from across the UK.

For entry links and additional information, visit the Welsh Youth and Junior Championships page.

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