British Dragons Southern Championship at Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club

British Dragons Southern Championship at Cowes © Emma York, BDA

British Dragons Southern Championship at Cowes Winner GBR 831 © Emma York, BDA

British Dragons Southern Championship at Cowes Corinthian Winner GBR 753 © Emma York, BDA

Over the weekend of 1st and 2nd June, nine Dragon teams completed five races on the Solent for the 2024 BDA Southern Championship. Hosted by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, racing was organised by Solent Dragon Fleet Captain and Race Officer, Andrew Millband.

The fleet included classic, modern and vintage Dragons, new sailors, past champions and first-time racers.

A breezy Northerly wind greeted the fleet as they started race one from just outside Cowes.

GBR 753 Fit Chick started well and led into the first downwind leg, followed by GBR 831 Gavia Wilkinson-Cox sailing Dreki and GBR 763 Bertie. The three lead boats increased their position into the finish followed closely by GBR 192 Bluebottle, with GBR 753 claiming the first win.

As the tide turned and the Northerly wind settled, race officer Andrew Millband adjusted the course starting from the Bramble Bank. A second clean start by the fleet saw the Dragons split in half up the beat, with GBR 831 taking first place.

Solent chop and strong, gusty conditions saw the fleet reduce in numbers. GBR 831 once again achieved the lead which opened up to a sizeable gap to GBR 763 and GBR 753 in second, and third respectively.

Thanks to the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club Dragon teams, family and friends enjoyed an evening together celebrating Dragon achievements in the Solent fleet in 2023 and 2024 so far.

A beautiful Cowes day greeted the fleet on day two with significantly lighter conditions.

After an initial AP and move to the Bramble bank the wind filled in and Dragons were away at 1110.

The only Individual recall of the event went to GBR 831. While they doubled back to the start the fleet split, choosing left and right of the beat up into Southampton water.

GBR 192, having a better day in the light airs, led into the first downwind mark. They were followed by GBR 763, GBR 831 and GBR 753. GBR 192 held on to their lead but positions continued to change further back. GBR 831 overtook to claim second place behind Bluebottle.

Home turf experience was a key skill for the final race of the regatta. GBR 831 took a commanding lead of the race, while back in the pack the places changed hands. It was a close finish between GBR 192 and GBR 763.

Race Officer, Andrew Millband said; "It was a pleasure to see such a great turnout for this event and to witness them sailing so well."

Overall Results: