12th Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta – Hellevoetsluis July 27th – 31th 2011.
Over 200 classic sharp* sailing yachts, all breathtakingly beautiful, impressively well preserved, sleek and spine chillingly fast, course stable yet agile, some endearingly small, will cleave the waters near the South Holland port of Hellevoetsluis during the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta to be held from 27 July up to and including 31 July 2011, a biennial classics regatta the likes of which is unequalled in northern Europe. A meeting venue for owners of classic sharp yachts, their families and crews. An opportunity not to be missed by anyone with a passion for the beauty of sailing and maritime entertainment. The shore programme offers both sailors and the general public a variety of nautical entertainment, beautiful views of the fleet of participating yachts as well as the possibility to observe the races from good vantage points along the shore line.
Hellevoetsluis is one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. During the 16th and 17th century it was a major naval base. The Dutch national hero Admiral Piet Hein captured Spanish silver fleet ships enroute from America to Spain, as spoils of war. These were subsequently docked at Hellevoetsluis, including their substantial treasures. Buildings such as the Tromphuys and the Ruyterhuys named after Michiel deRuyter and other maritime heroes, are reminders of those days. The dry dock where, in the 18th century large naval “man of war” sailing vessels had been built, was kept operational until the 1970s by carrying out maintenance on minesweeping vessels. It has now been transformed into a museum and is well worth a visit.
The DCYR fleet will be moored in the outside harbour – the “Haaven” of Hellevoetsluis.
* no flat bottom yachts will participate
