Epic Regatta Looming

The Easter weekend of 2004 (9 – 12 April) will see the Yacht club Braassemermeer and the OCN (Optimist Club Nederland) organising the XIX International Easter Optimist Regatta.

As in former years, about 250 young sailors from 12 countries will be competing fiercely to win this prestigious event. The International Easter Optimist Regatta began in 1986 with 75 competitors from mostly the Nordic countries. It gave them a chance to compete in the spring while their homeports were still iced up. The first years saw a rapid growth in contenders and a maximum of 250 sailors was quickly installed. Most countries now have selection rounds to see who is good enough to compete. This year, like the last two, competitors from the United States of America will be there to race!

On Friday afternoon, 9 April a practice race will be held to give the competitors a chance to get used to local conditions. Saturday and Sunday will see the fleet split into 6 groups, which will compete amongst each other. Three qualification races are scheduled for Saturday, with two following on the Sunday. After the race on Sunday the three groups for the two final races on Monday will be announced. These two final races will give us the winner of the XIX International Easter Optimist Regatta to whom last year’s victor Hannah MILLS (GBR), will then be handing over her crown.

Yacht club Braassemermeer (Roelofarendsveen) is a Yacht club with a keen interest in training and racing both nationally and internationally. The 86-year-old club has about 900 members (some of them even winners of the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup) and excellent facilities like a splendid clubhouse with a grand view over the lake and a modern harbour equipped with all means necessary. More information about the Yacht club and the event can be found on the website at he address below.

Brunotti Sportswear, Print Productions Scheveningen, De Skihut, Svenson Marine, van Wettum Boats, OlympicSails, Optiparts and MSL Telecommunicatie sponsor the XIX International Easter Optimist Regatta.