Join the Daring and International Dragon for the weekend

by Fiona Brown on 25 May 2007 The Daring and International Dragon keelboat fleets of Cowes invite you to take part in Solent Keelboat 'Boatcamp'.

Over the weekend of 16-17 June the Daring and International Dragon keelboat fleets of Cowes will be hosting a special 'Boatcamp' event to introduce racing sailors to the delights of keelboat racing in the central Solent.

Organised in association with the Royal London Yacht Club and jointly hosted by the Daring and International Dragon fleets, sailors will have a truly unique opportunity to sail in and learn more about these highly competitive and ever popular classes.

The event is open to all sailors with racing experience and the programme will incorporate a range of shoreside and sailing activities designed to give participants a good general introduction to the Cowes Daring and Dragon fleets. Administration and shoreside events will take place at the Royal London Yacht Club on The Parade in Cowes, whilst sailing activities will be run from the splendid new Trinity Landing directly opposite the clubhouse.

Participants will take part in a variety of training and racing activities afloat and in addition there will be both a Daring and an International Dragon moored on the Trinity Landing so they can get up close and personal with the boats and quizz class members on what has kept these classes at the top of the keelboat popularity polls for so many years.

Those taking part can decide whether they would prefer to attend on both or just one of the days - Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 June. Each day's activities will start with an initial informal get together and briefing session over coffee at the Royal London Yacht Club at approximately 10am.

The club will also provide a shoreside base between sailing sessions and will be serving lunches and afternoon tea. The Daring and International Dragon fleets look forward to welcoming sailors interested in keelboat racing from Cowes to this unique event.

To take part please urgently contact Gavia Wilkinson-Cox on Mobile 07973 165888 or e-mail events@eventnetwork.demon.co.uk to request an application form.

A high level of interest is anticipated so potential participants are recommened to book early to avoid disappointment. Further information about the event can also be found at www.solent-dragons.org and www.daring.org.uk.

Registered participants will also be invited to attend the Cowes Keelboat Fleets 'Nearly Midsummer's Night Party' on the evening of Saturday 16 June at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

Further details of this event are also available from Gavia Wilkinson-Cox as above.

The Daring is based on the Arthur Robb 5.5m 'Vision', the silver medal winner at the 1956 Olympics. The special one-design rules allow the class continuously to improve the sail and rigging plan by adopting the latest designs and materials.

Most yachts are owned by small syndicates that provide the very best value for money racing and good fleet turnouts. There are now more than 30 boats and a membership list exceeding 200. Visit www.daring.org.uk for more information.

The Dragon was designed in 1929 and was an Olympic class from 1948-72; it is raced around the world. The Solent Fleet is active from Easter into October, and many boats travel to regattas across the UK and internationally.

Carefully controlled class development means that racing success is dependent on boat handling and crew work, so competent crew are in high demand on the circuit. Dragons are also well known for their post-racing social activities! Visit www.solent-dragons.org for more information.