High Impact Radio Sailing on Display: The Dragon TT Series Concludes at the Gosport Model Boat and Yacht Club

In the world of radio sailing, the Dragon TT series marked an indelible dent. Beginning mid to late last decade, the Joysways Dragon boats, the DF65 and DF95, caused a significant transformative wave. Despite the numerous radio yacht classes, the limited availability of new boats often deterred the sailing fraternity from further expansion. Enter the Dragon boats, and suddenly, everything changed. The world embraced these low-cost, conveniently built Dragon classes, which came delivered in a box. Thousands of sailing enthusiasts happily took to racing them, affirming the series’s universal appeal.

At the historic Gosport Model Boat and Yacht Club, which recently celebrated a centenary of consistent activity, the final series unfolded. With over 200 members and a variety of classes competing daily, the club was an apt conclusion to a fierce competition exclusive to one design racing. Despite changes in local landscape, altering wind patterns, the tricky wind shifts only added to the thrilling race sequences throughout the weekend.

The DF65 may be the smallest of the two DF’s, but it is indeed challenging to navigate. The boat’s lightweight structure and short waterline length demand constant focus on maintaining speed. One small slip in concentration could see one’s boat spiraling backwards through the fleet. Nevertheless, achieving mastery over this elusive craft offered unexpected rewards. 33 skippers faced this challenge head-on at the opening race of the DF65 TT 13 at Gosport on 25 October.