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There is nothing more naturally beautiful than the union of wood and  water. Today’s latest technology allows us to use a fine wood laminate to create not only cruising yachts but also high performance racing yachts. “Wooden ships for iron men”, as the saying goes.
In 2009 I successfully completed my first wooden boat project. For this experience I set the highest standards and chose the most complicated option – monotype, classic racing ‘Dragon’ class boat.
Such a choice had been made for a number of reasons. First of all, the majority of classic yachts are made of timber. Secondly, racing monotype yachts allow objective analysis of the construction quality while being observed during a serious sailing regatta against similar yachts. Thirdly, the Dragon was the first boat I sailed, starting in 1968 and for the next twelve years. And the last, but not the least of the reasons: in 2009 ‘Dragon’ class celebrated their 80th Anniversary. This inspired me to make a present to this magnificent racing class: recreate it in all its beauty although in an entirely different capacity.
Dragons are by right considered to be “royal boats”, and are often referred to as “a pure racing thoroughbred: the sailing man's Bugatti”. It is obvious nowadays that the ‘Dragon’ class not only maintains its honoured position, but also has also become even more popular around the world. Unfortunately, genuine classic wooden Dragons have become a real rarity and are being replaced by plastic boats.
A known opinion is that a classic Dragon is a wooden Dragon, and therefore the hull of mine has been manually built by the skilled professional craftsmen in Kherson, Ukraine, using original design drawings. The hull alone, of this Dragon, took 6,500 hours of labour. All the gear and equipment for the yacht was thoroughly selected in New Zealand. The trailer was custom-built here as well. I have received a huge interest and support for this project from New Zealand’s yachting industry professionals. The measurement of this Dragon was conducted by the hard-edged measurer of the class Gunter Ahlers; the boat passed her measurement without any critical remarks whatsoever.
This unique anniversary Dragon was launched in Auckland on 24 February 2009 (name: ‘Alla’, number on the sails: NZL 15) and participated in the 2009 New Zealand National Regatta on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of April with the following crew: Alexandr Kirichuk – helmsman, Kevin Dibley -bowman and Simon Kidd - middleman. In this maiden race of hers, our Dragon, sailed by her worthy crew, took the first place among the wooden Dragons, and the third place in total score. I am grateful to my crew for their effort and help in tuning this brand-new and rare Dragon.
Furthermore, the New Zealand International Dragon Association presented our yacht with the «Vintage Dragon» challenge prize which is awarded annually to the best classic Dragon.
Naturally, such yachts will never be produced in large numbers. Nevertheless, those who wish to get their own custom-made classic Dragon can contact me directly.
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