Launch of the China Dragon Association to Promote Dragon Sailing across Asia
IDA Chairman Bram Van Olphen (HKG), with Lily Xu (CHN), at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
Hong Kong, March 3, 2026.
The International Dragon Association is proud to announce the official launch of the China Dragon Association, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of Dragon Class sailing. This exciting development comes ahead of the highly-anticipated 2027 Dragon World Championship, to be held in the iconic waters of Hong Kong.
At the core of this new chapter are four cutting-edge Dragon yachts currently being built in China. These vessels are being developed in close partnership with renowned Dutch boatbuilder Joop Doomernik, ensuring top-tier craftsmanship and performance to meet international racing standards.
The China Dragon Association is led by none other than Lowell Chang, a legendary figure in the Dragon sailing community and a long-standing ambassador of the sport in Asia. Joining him as vice-captain is Olympic gold medallist Lily Xu, whose passion, skill, and leadership are set to inspire a new generation of sailors across the region.
“What makes the Dragon class special is its unique mix of Corinthian spirit and true high performance,” said Lily Xu. “It’s an inclusive fleet where sailors of all ages can race together—learning from each other, competing fiercely on the water, and forging lasting friendships off it. Through the China Dragon Association, we aim to nurture that culture in China and help more teams discover the joy of Dragon racing on the road to Hong Kong 2027.”
New dragons are being developed in China in close collaboration with renowned Dutch boatbuilder Joop Doomernik, ensuring top-quality craftsmanship and performance to meet international racing standards.
“The launch of the China Dragon Association is not just about expanding the fleet — it’s about building a community,” said Lowell Chang. “We are laying the foundation for a vibrant future for Dragon sailing in China and beyond.”
“This is a proud moment for the global Dragon community,” said Abraham van Olphen, Chairman of the International Dragon Association. “The addition of the China Dragon Association reflects the growing momentum and international appeal of our class. We look forward to seeing the Chinese fleet on the water and welcoming them to the 2027 Worlds in Hong Kong.”
With its home fleet soon to be completed and an experienced leadership team at the helm, the China Dragon Association is poised to play a pivotal role in the lead-up to the 2027 Dragon World Championship. The newly formed fleet will not only compete on the global stage but also serve as a centre for training and development of the class in China.
The International Dragon Association warmly welcomes the China Dragon Association to the global Dragon family and looks forward to their contributions to the sport’s legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates as we chart a course towards the championship.