Dragon - MARINA BOLTENHAGEN

It is a great honour for me to serve as Chairman of the IDA for the
coming two years. During the last two years as Vice Chairman I have
been able to understand what the IDA stands for and, under Rob
Campbell’s Chairmanship, I have been involved in many of the is-
sues we have successfully accomplished. To name a few: redevelop-
ing the IDA website, rebranding the Dragon Class, development of
the International Ranking List, two World and European Champi-
onships and four Gold Cups, plus various grade one and national
events. Equally important is the successful introduction of the Co-
rinthian trophies to recognise our all-amateur teams at IDA events.
For me the most important lesson was to understand that the
IDA is for all Dragon sailors, which means for owners and sailors be-
ing amateurs and professionals whereby the overwhelming major-
ity adheres to the Corinthian spirit, which the IDA believes is where
the long-term prosperity of the Class for the future lies. If one re-
alises that for more than 80 years the Dragon has been the keelboat
of choice for four generations in 31 countries there must something
special about it. For me there are certain key reasons I love the Drag-
on and the most important is to see the joy all sailors have in all kind
of events whether on a cruise, at club racing and during national
and international regattas all over the world.
Chairman’s
Report
Since its start in 1929 the Class has held a strict policy of main-
taining the one design rules and at the same time allowing new
developments in a regulated way, in which the IDA over 50 years
has played a vital part. Boat builders, sail makers and regatta organ-
isers have the obligation to strictly adhere to the Class Rules in every
aspect. This also means that on the water the races should give an
equal chance to all competitors, which sets ever-higher standards
to race managers. The IDA has the critical task to be conservative on
the one hand, maintaining what we have, and on the other hand
be proactive in listening and learning about what can be improved
and implemented in a way which is accepted by and aff ordable
for everyone involved. With the availability of new materials used
in other classes such as carbon spars, plus building materials for
hulls and materials for sails we have much to consider and major
challenges ahead. This is not new and provides opportunity for con-
structive debate, with owners, builders and sail makers around the
world to work together to determine the future of the Class.
Another wonderful challenge is to bring younger people into
the Class. We may know that the Dragon was originally designed for
younger sailors and if we look around us today with all due respect
we must do what we can to invite our children to the Dragon.
In the end the most vital element in a class is joy, fun for all involved
often in a highly competitive one design and foremost Corinthian
environment. We sail because we enjoy competitive sailing and
spending our time on the water with friends in an international set-
ting respecting cultures and values
On the 2012 calendar we have two major international events
scheduled, the Europeans on the Attersee in Austria and the Drag-
on Gold Cup on the waters of Kinsale, Ireland.
The national calendars have been decided and the grade 1 and
other events will off er everyone suffi cient choice.
When reading this letter we are already well into 2012 and the sea-
son for some has started. I wish all Dragon sailors around the world
a wonderful sailing season.
Richard
Blickman
IDA Chairman Richard Blickman in the thick of it at Grand Prix Guyader in Douarnenez
Richard Blickman
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