Hosted by the Nyländska Jaktklubben (NJK) at its historic clubhouse on Blekholmen island, the regatta continues Helsinki’s growing trend of hosting major international sporting events in the heart of the city. Combining world-class competition, maritime heritage and an open public festival atmosphere, the championship aims to showcase both elite sailing and the unique spirit of Helsinki’s archipelago.
The Dragon class is the largest active keelboat class and one of the sport’s largest and most competitive international fleets. Formerly an Olympic class, including at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, the Dragon continues to attract many of the world’s leading sailors, from Olympians to America’s Cup veterans.
The fleet is coming in strong with one of the largest entries for Europeans in years, and the competition will be fierce, with many boats aiming to take home the title.
Leading the charge are current World champions Provezza Dragon skippered by Andy Beadsworth, with reigning European Champions Blue Haze among strong contenders from Finland and around the Baltic Sea.
There are two competitions being sailed simultaneously, between professional crews and non-professional Corinthians bringing together a first-class mix of the best sailors in the world.
Among the highlights of the fleet is the Royal Yacht Squadron’s historic yacht Bluebottle, famously sailed by the late Prince Philip, which will reunite in Helsinki with her 'big sister' Blue Marlin, a classic 12mR yacht designed by the same boatyard.
Racing will take place in the waters outside Helsinki, with the fleet sailing daily past Suomenlinna Sea Fortress — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — on their way to the racecourse near Isosaari Island.
The championship combines traditional yacht racing with modern broadcast production. A professional visual production crew will provide three full days of live broadcasts featuring expert commentary, multiple camera boats and aerial footage captured by two drones, bringing the racing closer than ever to spectators both in Helsinki and internationally.
The event will also be featured in Inside Sailing, expanding the international visibility of both the Dragon class and Helsinki as a sailing destination to over 90 networks broadcast worldwide.
Beyond the racing, international sailors will experience why Finland is celebrated as the world's happiest country. From the vibrant waterfront of Helsinki—widely regarded as one of Europe's premier maritime capitals—to its stunning archipelago, pristine nature, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, the event offers a unique opportunity to discover the very best of Finland both on and off the water.
The Dragon Europeans Race Village, located beside Helsinki’s historic Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli), will offer free public programming throughout the championship week. The waterfront village will feature activities celebrating sailing, maritime culture and the Baltic Sea lifestyle.
Participating organizations include local Sea Scouts, heritage sailors, sea rescue operators and the environmental non-profit Pidä Saaristo Siistinä (“Keep the Archipelago Tidy”). Visitors can experience Helsinki from the sea through daily shuttle connections to Blekholmen, spectator cruises and heritage vessel excursions, while the Race Village serves as a vibrant summer destination offering giant-screen race coverage and hands-on sailing activities for families, visitors
and sailing enthusiasts alike.
The Race Village opens on Sunday, June 28 and concludes with the Prize Giving Ceremony on Friday, July 3. You can find a daily schedule of activities on the events website.
