100 Dragons

Bumper year for the Grand Prix Petit Navire in Douarnannez as the Dragon celebrate their 80th birthday

The 10th Grand Prix Petit Navire this year will form part of the Dragon class' 80th birthday celebrations. Around 100 Dragons are expected on the Bay of Douarnenez for what is becoming an unmissable event for class.

Despite its design being 80 years old this year, the so called ‘royal' class has not yet revealed all its secrets and, at the end of the racing each day still continues to fuel conversation between the skippers. No other international class, except the Star, designed in 1911, and still an Olympic class, has survived the century with as much success.

Norwegian naval architect, Johan Anker, created this 8.90 metre long marvel in 1929. Initially called a '20m2', its original Marconi rig with a headstay and small jib was modified in 1945 to take the form it has today. Equipped with a small coachroof and accommodating two bunks, the Dragon made its debut in France in the 1950s and it was in the English Channel that the first races took place.

The Dragon is extremely sensitive to helm, with its narrow hull and its uncluttered deck, and it is tailor-made for racing for at least three crew. From 1948 to 1972 it was an Olympic class, increasing its prestige. It remains a highly technical and complex yacht.
Carrying relatively little sail area for its weight, you must never let it stop. For this reason, the helmsman must be extremely attentive as must his or her crew members. In the cockpit are over 32 cleats, or 32 points from which to control and trim on a constant basis.

At the Grand Prix Petit Navire this year 17 nationalities are expected to be represented with strong participation from Russia and England. Last year, the youngest participant was 14 years old, while the most senior of the skippers will this year be celebrating his 88th birthday.

Many competitors originate from the world of the Olympics, such as Luc Pillot, gold medallist in the 470, or from other international classes such as Gildas Philippe a past World Champion in the 470 and Mumm 30, offshore record holders such Bruno Peyron and Open 60 skippers such as Jean Le Cam, Kito de Pavant and Bernard Stamm. They'll be taking on Dragon ‘specialists' such as Babou Pastouraud, at the head of the fleet with the greatest track record of the series. Overseas competitors include His Royal Highness, Henrik of Denmark, who will be heading to Douarnenez on the Danebrog.

From 2-4 May, the Dragons will be participating in the Coupe de Bretagne (Brittany Cup) for Dragons. On 5 May, it will be the Nautic-Champion's Race to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Grand Prix Petit Navire. The podium winners from the previous nine Grands Prix have been invited to do battle in a single race, sponsored by the Paris Boat Show. Additional guests include winners of the Jules Verne Trophy, the Vendée Globe, world championship title holders, European champions and Olympic medallists. From 6-9 May, it will be the Grand Prix Petit Navire Dragon.