The Dragon is the most popular one-design racing boat in the world. Designed by Johan Anker in 1929, it boasts over 80 years of history, held Olympic Class status from 1948 to 1972, and has seen over 6,000 Dragons launched. With 26 Class Associations spanning five continents, over 1,500 Dragons are currently registered, along with as many sailors, and more than 1,000 regattas organized worldwide each year.
This class is also a favorite among royalty—ranging from the King of Greece, who won an Olympic gold medal in Rome, to the current King of Denmark, a frequent participant in Dragon regattas. Through strict regulatory oversight, the Dragon has maintained its "one-design" boat identity while constantly evolving technically.
Petticrows Ltd, the world's largest manufacturer of fibreglass Dragons, was founded in 1988 in Burnham on Crouch (Essex) and is a direct successor of the original shipyard, which had been active since 1896. To date, Petticrows has produced over 600 hulls.
The shipyard's continuous investment in research and development, with input from sailing world figures such as the famous metric class designer Ian Howlett and two-time Olympic gold medalist Poul Richard Høj-Jensen, has led to consistent optimization of their boats. This dedication has contributed to numerous regatta successes, including the latest world title in Medemblik.
Petticrows in Italy
In Italy, after a period of decline following the exclusion of Dragons from the Olympics, the class is now experiencing a strong resurgence. New registrations are on the rise, and a comprehensive regatta calendar has emerged, covering much of the season and featuring locations across Northern and Central Italy, both on lakes and at sea.
To support the growth of the Italian Dragon Class fleet, Petticrows Ltd has implemented a direct assistance service for Italian owners. This service, created specifically for the Italian market, complements the support provided by the shipyard during major Mediterranean regattas.
The management of this Italian operation is entrusted to Paolo Giorgetti, founder and CEO of Classic Yachts Management, and Mario Quaranta, head of the Sibma Navale Italiana shipyard. Both bring many years of experience in the world of classic yachting and Dragon sailing.
