by Jaakko Mannermaa
Open Europeans 2011 will be held at Hernesaari, Helsinki between 30th of June and 15th of July. There is a total of eight classes competing: Laser, Laser Radial, 470 Men & Mixed, 470 Women, Star, Finn, 49er and Match Women.
The organizing committee is expecting about 1000 competitors from over 50 countries to arrive in Helsinki. Because it is an open event, there will be many sailors from non-European countries participating, too.
Top-level sailors are fighting for not only the European championship titles, but also a place in London 2012 Olympic Games. For many countries Open Europeans 2011 is a part of the domestic elimination series leading to London.
Most of the races can easily be viewed from the shore at Hernesaari. In addition, there is a GPS-based tracking system available, which shows each boat's position in real time. (See www.tractrac.com)
This year is a special year in Helsinki, since it marks the 150th anniversary of the first documented sailing competition organised in the city's coastal waters. During Open Europeans 2011 there will be many other things to enjoy at Hernesaari besides the races: bars, restaurants, radio controlled sailboats, a sailing simulator and a whole lot more.
For information, please go to our website at www.openeuropeans2011.com. You can also find us on Facebook (Open Europeans Helsinki 2011) and on Twitter (OpenEuropeans).
Welcome to Open Europeans Helsinki 2011!
