Hong Kong to host the prestigious Dragon World Championship for the first time in 98 years
by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club 17 Jul 2025 09:43 BST
21-29 November 2026
Coming soon: Dragon Worlds 2027 in Hong Kong. (21-29 Nov 2026} © Guy Nowell / HK Dragon Class Association
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China in partnership with the Hong Kong Dragon Association, is proud to announce that Hong Kong will host the 2027 Hong Kong Dragon World Championship from 21 to 29 November 2026. This marks the first time in 98 years that the prestigious event, one of the most esteemed and competitive sailing competitions globally, will take place in Asia.
The Dragon World Championship has long been celebrated for its high level of racing, fierce competition, and global media coverage. Since its inception, the event has seen elite sailors dedicate years of effort to claim victory, with the coveted trophy The Royal Hellenic Cup (also known as Epathlon Vassileos) first presented in 1965 by King Constantine of Greece. Now, Hong Kong is set to welcome the world's top sailors, their teams, and boats to showcase the city as an international sailing hub.
This edition of the championship aims to attract over 60 boats from at least 12 nations, with 30 already registered and more expressing interest. Participants will enjoy world-class racing alongside social events tailored for teams, accompanying spouses, and children, emphasizing Hong Kong's reputation as a vibrant destination that blends sport, culture, and leisure.
To highlight the significance of this event, World Sailing President Li Quanhai expressed: "Sailing has been widely inherited and developed in Hong Kong, attracting a large number of enthusiasts—from young sailors on the water to elderly wave chasers. The upcoming Hong Kong Dragon World Championship fully embodies the city's vitality and positive lifestyle. As one of the major cities in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has made significant contributions to promoting the development of sailing. This event will draw outstanding sailing athletes from around the world and undoubtedly capture the keen attention of sailing enthusiasts. It is expected to enhance the influence of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area within the international sailing community and foster a coordinated development of sailing sports across the region."
Hong Kong cherishes its longstanding association with international Dragon racing. The city proudly hosts the third oldest Dragon fleet in the world, the yachts originally conceived as the Anker Class in 1929 and first built in Hong Kong in 1932. The upcoming championship exemplifies Hong Kong's ongoing commitment to the development of the sport and its regional influence.
Join us in celebrating this historic occasion and witnessing world-class sailing in one of Asia's most dynamic cities.
For more information, visit www.dragonworld2027.com or contact .