Get set for the 2026 Dragon Series!

by RYA Cymru Wales 28 Mar 11:34 UTC

Dragon Series at Tata Steel SC © Fiona Ring

The Dragon Series returns to Wales for the 2026 season with a sparkling lineup of 13 events for junior and youth sailors at clubs across the country.

Spanning the three regions of North, South and West, the Dragon Series offers accessible, friendly and competitive racing for all levels from rookies to experienced racers.

Welcoming sailors aged 8-18, the Series provides an opportunity to develop skills at a variety of venues, including lakes, tidal estuaries and open sea. And it will again provide an ideal stepping stone for those wanting to experience racing beyond their home club for the first time.

The regional circuits within the overall Series are designed to ensure that events are within easy reach, with friendly clubs and coaches keen to welcome all-comers and provide a supportive atmosphere for both young sailors and their parents. There are even options to borrow a dinghy for those who may not have their own or be able to trail or car-top a boat.

Grand day out

There's lots to play for with a prize-giving at each event and overall Series prizes - plus there will be a FREE Welsh Dragon Series prize for those who compete in at least three events to qualify for the North and South circuits, or two events in the West, to reward those who travel.

RYA Cymru Wales Pathway & Events Officer Hatty Morsley said: "The free prize will be a surprise but you have to be in it to win it! We'd encourage all clubs with junior and youth sailors to support them to take part in the Dragon Series - of the 127 entries last year only a third ventured beyond their home event, so it would be great to see more sailors travelling.

"It's always a really good day out! Each event enables our aspiring young racers to meet lots of new sailors, make friends and have fun while developing their skills, and there are lots of coaches and volunteers to provide practical support and expert tips.

"The host clubs are all super enthusiastic and looking forward to welcoming everyone so it's a really good vibe. Everyone is keen to make it a fantastic Dragon Series for 2026!"

Diary dates

The series kicks off on Sunday 18 April at Tata Steel SC and at each event there will be results for three fleets:

Training Handicap Fleet: Coached fleet with shorter courses close to shore and loads of encouragement - ideal for building skills and having fun without pressure.
Silver Handicap Fleet: Racing with Gold Fleet but scored separately - for sailors who are developing their experience and looking to join next year's Welsh National Squad.
Gold Handicap Fleet: Racing for Welsh National Squad sailors - a chance to get more time on the water in different conditions and race other top level sailors.

The Series is coordinated by the RYA Cymru Wales regional committees and local clubs, and includes four new hosts for 2026: Gresford, Llandudno, Tenby and Merthyr Tydfil.

Optimist sailor Evie Ring - photo © Ade Owens

Among those who will be taking part this year is Optimist sailor Evie Ring of Tata Steel SC / Mumbles YC. Evie competed in all of last year's South events and having won the Training Handicap Fleet, she is now looking forward to main fleet racing in the 2026 edition.

Describing her enthusiasm for the Dragon Series, Evie said: "The atmosphere was always so friendly and welcoming for a new racer. The events were competitive but not intimidating and I felt that I could ask anyone for help or advice if I needed it. It's inspiring to see the older and more experienced sailors. This year, I am really looking forward to racing in a higher and more experienced fleet, getting hours in on the water - in different places and in different conditions, and most importantly having fun."

Entries last year saw 63 sailors taking part in the South, 35 in the West and 27 in the North - 125 in total with a couple of entries from England bringing the total to 127 participants. The Dragon Series Club Award for 2025 went to Cardiff Bay YC for the most number of participants, with 27 sailors from the club taking part at events across the South.

Check out the full list of dates for your diary and look out for entries opening soon:

NORTH