By Nicolai Lassen
Quite a claim, a mere 180-odd days before the first start in the
waters north of Hornbæk. The Dragon Gold Cup is one of the historic
style icons of international sailing and the annual event has become
increasingly exclusive and held in some of the world’s leading sailing
clubs.
Dragon Gold Cup Hornbæk is now planning to raise the bar of the
sporting and social event in a close private-public cooperation.
Sailing conditions off Hornbæk are ideal, with waves that begin up
in Norway, lots of wind and at times strong currents that on occasions
can make even the most experienced sailors and judges somewhat dizzy.
To the East the bastions of Kronborg Castle, where Shakespeare chose
to locate his drama Hamlet. To the North the impressive cliffs of
Sweden’s Kullen Peninsula and to the West, Nakkehoved Lighthouse that
marks the northernmost tip of the capital island Zealand.
It is here that the scene has been set for the 2016 sporting drama
that is the Dragon Gold Cup.
The sport of sailing has developed considerably over the past 15
years. The international Dragon Class has undergone major development
with a strong level of professionalization, but with amateur sailors
still found in the top echelon, including many former Olympic sailors
and world champions. Dragon sailors place major requirements on
regattas – both on and off the water. That is something that the 2016
organisers are determined to more than satisfy.
To guarantee achieve the sporting levels required, Hornbæk Boat
Club (HBK) has taken a musketeer oath with the Royal Danish Yacht Club
(KDY) and Hellerup Sailing Club (HS) regarding the sporting activities
in connection with the Dragon Gold Cup, where at least 80 crews are
expected to be at the starting line. KDY and HS will be providing the
waterside judging and sports management groups, so nothing but the
weather can impair the racing.
The expertise of the three clubs guarantees an unforgettable week
on the water, but also on land with warm sand between the toes and
lots of social events for both sailors, helpers and not least club
members and the local population. Hornbæk Boat Club is a fantastic
club, run by volunteers and with strong local support.
Hornbæk is neither a luxurious Porto Cervo in Sardinia nor one of
the other luxury venues often visited by the Dragons. On the other
hand, the town has the charm and elegance that Porto Cervo seeks, but
which even major investment cannot copy. The harbour and adjacent
beaches have a century-long history, and a reputation of being an
exclusive Danish summer paradise and with lively activities throughout
the year. In Hornbæk it’s a tent on the beach and loads of socialising
for a week-long beach party. Clublife at its best during the Hamlet
Dragon Gold Cup – for the sailors, clubs and local population.
Main sponsor for the event is Ilse Jacobsen Hornbæk’s fashion
empire. Helsingør Council, Visit North Zealand and Sport Event Denmark
are all supporting the event and Hornbæk Harbour is expanding in order
to be able to keep competing boats together, but also to cater for
logistical issues and provide expansion going forward for the harbour
itself.
Hornbæk Boat Club, The Royal Danish Yacht Club, the Hellerup
Sailing Club and the Dragon class have a long and close relationship,
and one that will deepen in the last week of August 2016.
Read more at www.dgc2016.com
Join the Facebook group “Dragon Gold Cup 2016 Hornbæk”
