Created in 1929 in Marblehead (USA), the Marblehead Cup is a historic trophy closely linked to the prestigious Dragon Class.
Contested in Europe since 1952, the Cup has had an eventful history, marked by disappearances and unexpected comebacks. According to tradition, the winning club organises the next edition, under the auspices of the member who won the race.
In 2024, Dirk Oldenburg, a member of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, won the Marblehead Cup in Denmark.
He has therefore proposed that the Club host the 2025 edition in Saint-Tropez, with nearly ten Dragons expected on the starting line.
The return of the Dragon to Saint-Tropez
This will not be a first for the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, which has already hosted the class, organising an annual event for the Dragon from 2004 to 2018, including several notable events: the 75th anniversary of the Dragon in 2004 (with more than 260 Dragons), the European Championship in 2009 (more than 100 boats), the Dragon Gold Cup in 2017 (90 Dragons competing), etc.
Another great competition to follow in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
The DRAGON: a small, elegant and sporty boat
Created in 1928 in Scandinavia based on designs by Norwegian Johan Anker, the Dragon, which was made entirely of wood at the time, quickly won over sailing enthusiasts and certain members of the international elite. It even became an Olympic class from 1948 to 1972. Demanding and sensitive to adjustments (with 32 cleats), the 8.90 m long and 1.95 m wide keelboat requires three to four attentive crew members on board.
Even though today’s hulls are made of polyester and fibreglass, the construction rules remain strict. This allows all ‘classic’ and ‘modern’ units to compete in real time
Programme:
Wednesday 12 November:
Arrival of sailing boats and crane lifting
Thursday 13 November:
Crane lifting of sailing boats and confirmation of registrations
6pm: Welcome drinks
Friday 14 November
9am: Skippers’ briefing
From 11 a.m.: Race(s)
6 p.m.: Dirk Oldenburg reception
Saturday, 15 November
From 10 a.m.: Race(s)
Crew evening
Sunday, 16 November
From 10 a.m.: Race(s)
5 p.m.: Prize giving
Race information: Saint-Tropez Nautical Society
Link: https://www.societe-nautique-saint-tropez.fr/fr/events/marblehead-trophy-2025
