Sander van der Borch Photography

From the 3rd until the 11th of September the Dutch town Medemblik is the venue for the spectacular Dragon worlds. It is the first time this prestigious championship is to be held in The Netherlands. The anticipated 70 competing teams represent seventeen different countries. All of which had grueling qualification series. This will guarantee a tense battle between word-class sailors. The worlds 2009 coincide with the celebration of 80 years of Dragon sailing. The event is organized by the Dutch Dragon association in collaboration with RYC Hollandia and the International Dragon association. The Dragon is a three sail keelboat which is sailed with a crew of three. From 1948 until 1972 the Dragon was an Olympic class. The boat is still favored with many former Olympic sailors and other big names from the international sailing world. Amongst others Gordon Ingate (America's Cup, Admirals Cup, OG), Ulli Libor (silver & bronze OG), Poul Richard Hoj Jensen (2 x gold OG), but also the Dutch sailor Mark Neeleman ( 5 x OG) will participate during the worlds in Medemblik. In total more than 30 old Olympic sailors compete during this worlds.

Medemblik is a small town in the Northwest of the Netherlands on the shores of the Ijsselmeer. Medemblik annually host the ISAF World Cup sailing event, the Delta Loyd Regatta and many other national and international championships. It is also one of the training locations of the Dutch Olympic sailing squad. Medemblik is situated approximately 50 minutes from Amsterdam.

More information about the venue, sailing- and social program can be found on: http://www.dragonworlds2009.com.