Hong Kong to host the prestigious Dragon World Championship for the first time in 98 years
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China, in partnership with the Hong Kong Dragon Association, are 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, emphasising 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 conceived initially 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 info@dragonworld2027.com.
Images of Dragon World Championship are available free of charge for editorial use, provided credit is given to Panda Man - Hong Kong Dragon Association and Bill Cox - Hong Kong Dragon Association.
Images are uploaded HERE.
About Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, boasting a rich and colourful history that spans 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. The RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages – both members and non-members – to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.