Wednesday 23 March 2011

Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta 2011 green and clear




Start of the Vuurschepen Race 2010. Image copyright Ronald Koelink/foto-nautiek.nl

by Diana Bogaards

The 2011 Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta will be greener and clear. Together with sub sponsors Van Gansewinkel waste will be separated during the event. Furthermore, the program becomes more straightforward by eliminating the Houtrust and Fjellstrorace. From this year, the IRC and ORC yachts will compete for the Yeoman Challenge Trophy during the four days of inshore racing. On Friday, June 10 the popular Dutch band Bløf provides the musical opening of the annual The Hague sailing event, that lasts until Whit Monday June 13.

The Delta Lloyd Regatta North Sea is part of the new Nordic Swan 45 circuit. With enough participation, this class receives its own start. The Houtrust Race does not completely disappear, as it will be used to name the Friday competition of the cats, as this day does not count for the overall results. The organization also expects that the Laser sailors will line up in large numbers. Daily prizes will be replaced by a brief gathering to discuss details of that day. Meanwhile, every evening it is party time in the regatta village with spectacular live performances. And title sponsor Delta Lloyd offers again a harbour concert for the participants.

Improved third harbour

'Last year, there were problems with the facilities in the third harbour, previously used by Norfolk. We have worked on this and there will be full-fledged berths for the participants. That means water, electricity and more atmosphere, 'said organizer Frans Sluyters.

Groen evenement

Sub sponsors Gansewinkel is both waste management service provider and supplier of energy an raw materials. They collect, treat and process waste into raw materials and energy. They will apply their expertise to the Delta Lloyd Regatta North Sea. There are going to be special bins for food and drinks. Eventually everything must be re-used. Gansewinkel also provides all the recycled paper for the program books and magazines. 'We want the regatta as green as possible,' said Sluyters.

About the Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta

On Tuesday May 31, the starting gun of the 110-mile Vuurschepenrace from Scheveningen to Harwich will be fired. This is the first race of the Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta. After a lay day in Harwich, the IRC and ORC classes sail the R.O.R.C. North Sea Race back to Scheveningen on Friday June 3. During the Whitsun weekend, from June 10 until June 13, more than 500 boats compete in the inshore races before the Coast of Scheveningen. Several disciplines participate: big yachts, current and former Olympic classes, one-design classes, catamarans and open boats.

2011 Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta