Dragon Gold Cup 2022 Preview

The ultimate sailing experience

It offers the most challenging racing keelboat conditions, a vibrant shorelife, and lifelong friendships.

Welcome to the Goldcup 2022 hosted by the Belgian Dragon Association and the Royal North Sea Yacht Club, which will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. It is an honour for us to welcome you to Ostend. Enjoy our cosy harbour, right in the middle of the city, and the North Sea race area is not far away.

We have welcomed many top Dragon sailors in recent years, and they all confirm our unique combination of a top sailing competition with most enjoyable social events. The event committee and the internationally renowned race committee welcomes you, your crew and your friends and family as well.

The Gold Cup 2022 will be a unique event, as Gold Cup Dragon sailing is all about serious sailing, typical Belgian gastronomical parties and socialising among friends.

We’re also looking forward to seeing who will be following in the footsteps of some of the best Dragon teams that have won previous major events in Ostend.

A quick overview

The European Championship of 1986 was won by Markus Glas and his team The Gold Cup of 1992 was won by “The Man” Poul-Richard Høj-Jensen and his team The Gold Cup of 2001 was won by Harm Müller-Spreer and his team The Gold Cup of 2011 was won by Markus Wieser and his team

Ostend

A country with 11.5 million inhabitants, Belgium is known for its fine gastronomy and great beers. You can find a mix of the world’s best restaurants as well as the cosy small local cuisine. It’s also getting a name for its wines; thanks to climate change Belgian wines are getting better and better.

By the beginning of the last century, Ostend had grown into a fashionable bustling seaside resort. And about 10 years ago the city started to enjoy a revival. During your stay in the city, you will discover how the urbanisation and the new dynamics are perfectly in balance with the beautiful history of the city. Ostend is a city that is alive 365 days a year. Discover the shops, the seawall where you can stroll, the wide beach, the culture, and the museums. You should also make time to visit some of the historic cities such as Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent

Bring family and friends to the Goldcup 2022 and we will ensure that they discover all the gems in Ostend. The city will extend a big welcome to you.

RNSYC & 75th Anniversary – royal visit

The Royal North Sea Yacht Club was established in 1947. In the early years the club was closely linked with the Belgian Navy, the pennant of the yacht club was even inspired by the flag of the Belgian Navy.

The Royal North Sea Yacht Club will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022 and is honoured to have been granted the organisation of the famous Dragon Gold Cup for the 4th time in its history. For this occasion, King Philippe of Belgium, currently the Honorary Commodore, is expected to visit the club during the Gold Cup 2022.

Accommodation & location

In the vicinity of the venue, you have a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels and apartments. Ostend’s tourist office will be happy to assist you. All information can be found at www.visitoostende.be

The Yacht Club and the marina are located in the centre of the city, but will be accessible for cars and Dragon trailers. Parking facilities will be available for your car and trailer, a short walking distance from the racing venue and the city centre.

Event schedule

Fri 19th – Sat 20th August: Registration and Measurement Sat 21st August: Opening ceremony Sat 21st – Thu 26th August: Racing days Wed 25th August: Gold Cup Dinner Thu 26th August: Prize giving