Dragon Worlds to come to Weymouth

Lawrie Smith to defend title on home waters

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, home of the sailing regattas of the 2012 Olympiad, is to host the 2013 Dragon World Championship over 5-13 September 2013.

"The Dragon World Championship attracts the elite of international yacht racing, from World and Continental Champions to America's Cup and Olympic veterans, so we need championship venues that can meet their very demanding requirements. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the WPNSA for this prestigious biennial event and are looking forward to an outstanding regatta," explained British Dragon Association Chairman Martin Makey.

Chris Knight, WPNSA Business Manager, noted "The planning of the Dragon events in Weymouth during 2013 is in full swing. We feel passionately about the Academy's ability to deliver on such world-class events and look forward to welcoming this celebrated keelboat class. "

Teams must qualify to take part in the Dragon World Championship and so only the very best sailors from each country will compete.

Reigning World Champion Lawrie Smith, crewed by Ossie Stewart and Tim Tavinor, has confirmed he will defend his title. Among those expected to challenge are Russia's Dmitry Samokhin and Anatoly Loginov; Portugal's Jose Matoso; Germany's Tommy Mueller, Markus Wieser and Ulli Libor; Denmark's Lars Hendriksen, Jens Christensen and Joergen Schoenherr; Evgeny Braslavets from the Ukraine; Ireland's Martin Byrne and Simon Brien; Ben Van Cauwenbergh from Belgium; Ezio Gianni Murzi and Giuseppe Duca from Italy; Lowell and Phyllis Chang from Hong Kong and Richard Lynn from Australia.

The British will field a very strong home team led by World Champion Lawrie Smith and including Klaus Diederichs, Ron James, Gavia Wilkinson-Cox and Graham and Julia Bailey.

Some advance training on the Worlds race area will be available with the British Dragon Association will be holding the 2013 South Coast Championship and the Edinburgh Cup, for the British Open Championship, at Weymouth. The South Coasts will be on 23-24 June and will be immediately followed by the Edinburgh Cup on 25-30 June 2013.