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Record Fleet Heading to Kinsale for the Dragon Gold Cup 2024

5-13 September 2024

Kinsale Yacht Club is preparing to welcome an impressive fleet of 62 International Dragon Teams from 14 countries and 4 continents for the prestigious 80th Dragon Gold Cup. The action kicks off with a practice race on Saturday, 7 September, leading into a week of competitive racing, sponsored by Astra Construction Services Ltd.

This event marks the largest assembly of the Dragon fleet since the Covid pandemic, made possible by an exceptional venue, renowned Irish hospitality, and the celebration of this milestone edition. Championship racing is scheduled from Sunday, 8 September, to Friday, 13 September, with six races set to take place.

The competition will see some of the leading international teams, including Lawrie Smith, the reigning Dragon Gold Cup Champion and British Olympian, racing for Glandore Yacht Club. Joining him are Wolf Waschkuhn, the current Dragon International Ranking leader and reigning World and European Champion from Switzerland; legendary Australian Match Racer Peter Gilmour with his Japanese Yanmar team; France’s offshore expert Gery Trentesaux; 2019 Gold Cup winner Pedro Rebelo de Andrade from Portugal; and three-time Dragon World Champion Andy Beadsworth steering the Turkish entry Provezza.

Smith has experienced a resurgence in the Dragon class over the past two seasons, returning to the sport with remarkable victories. He won both the Edinburgh Cup and Gold Cup in 2023 and successfully defended his Edinburgh Cup title this year. Many competitors participated in the recent Dragon Irish Championship, where Smith continued to showcase his skills.

Waschkuhn hopes to improve upon his runner-up finish from last year’s Gold Cup in Torquay and aims to add the Gold Cup to his list of accolades.

Established to promote international competition in a friendly and spirited environment, the Gold Cup features a unique format with a single long windward-leeward race each day, and no discards throughout the series. This structure poses a significant challenge for competitors while allowing for ample social opportunities after sailing. Kinsale, known as Ireland’s gourmet capital, is perfectly suited to host this celebrated event.

Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, a prominent female helm in the International Dragon fleet, expressed her excitement about returning to Kinsale. She praised the renowned hospitality and excellent race management at the Kinsale Yacht Club, as well as the vibrant atmosphere both on and off the water.

For Belgium’s Xavier Vaneste and his team, this will be their inaugural visit to Kinsale. They are eager to experience the stunning natural beauty of the venue, the excellent sailing conditions, and the lively social scene.

Ireland will put forth a strong contingent of 23 boats, featuring past Edinburgh Cup winner Martin Byrne and other top competitors, while teams from Denmark, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden will also join the field. A detailed entry list is available on the event website.

The amateur Corinthian teams will compete alongside the open fleet for the Corinthian Gold Cup, with reigning champion David Tabb from the UK looking to defend his title. Additionally, there will be competitions for the top-performing national teams and special awards for exceptional finishes in the regatta.

The social calendar is packed with activities, including après sailing parties sponsored by Yanmar, an Opening Ceremony hosted by Cork Council, a Taste of Ireland supper, a Reception at historic Charles Fort, and a Gala Dinner at Acton’s Hotel, culminating in a Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony at Kinsale Yacht Club.

Ongoing media coverage of the event will commence on 7 September, and updates can be followed on the event website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. Further information about the regatta is available at www.kyc.ie.

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