Round Texel Race 2009, © Claire Matches/www.clairematches.com
by Diana Bogaards
Although the Netherlands is turning into orange colours in preparation for the Soccer Worlds, Texel is getting ready for the Zwitserleven Round Texel Race 2010. On Saturday June 19 2010, hundreds of beach catamarans will line up for world's biggest cat race. The starting gun will be fired between 12 and 13 hours, where after the international fleet will head for the lighthouse on the most northern tip of the Wadden Island Texel.
The fleet includes big names, such as the Australian duo Glenn Ashby and James Spithill. Ashby is a multiple World Champion in the Tornado, A-cat and F18, and he is the silver medallist of the 2008 Games. Last February, Spithill won the prestigious America's Cup, as helmsman of the all-powerful BMW Oracle Racing Team. These two Aussies join forces on the F18 Hobie Wild Cat and aim for the overall victory.
Volvo Ocean Race veterans reunited
The ladies prize is a prey to Carolijn Brouwer (BEL) and Liz Wardly from Papua New Guinea. The two of them sailed together previously on board of Amer Sports Too in the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-02. Now they try their luck on the 16-foot long Viper. The battle for line honours (first over the line) is also fierce. Last year's trend of extra wide beams is going to be expanded with curved dagger boards for a greater lift. It is also the first time that the M20 carbon cats and the recently released Nacra carbon 20 will race each other in a direct battle.
Full programme
It is already a full program prior to the renowned Zwitserleven Round Texel Race on Saturday. The Zwitserleven Sailing Week commences with the Nacra 2010 International Championship and the Slalom Windsurfing Europeans. The Open Dutch Catamaran Championship starts on Wednesday June 16 and ends on Friday June 18, followed by the TNG Short Track Races in the afternoon. Leisure sailors have the chance to warm up during the two recreational long distance trips. And of course there is plenty to do on the Texel beach, both in the Pit lane and in the party tent with live performances.
Round Texel race
