29th december 2010
START OF ORGANISATION DUTCH CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA 2011
It is ‘on’ again from 27 up to and including 31 July around 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, 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 fascination for sailing and maritime entertainment. The shore programme offers the participants a comfortable and snug marquis, communal breakfasts, a fine menu of the day and partying every night. The general public may enjoy beautiful views of the fleet of participating yachts in the harbour and also take the opportunity to observe the races from the deck of one of the observers vessels. Various nautical attractions, musical entertainment and heart warmingly good food all combine in a fantastic day out.
*no flat bottom yachts will participate
The yachts
Participating yachts in the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta are of the classic sharp yacht type which means no flat bottom yachts. They may be Bermuda rigged or gaff rigged. Traditionally approximately 50% of the participating yachts are members of the ‘Vereniging Klassieke Scherpe Jachten (VKSJ), the originators of the event. There is an international fleet of participants. The majority of the participating yachts fly the Dutch flag but an impressive representation from the UK, such as members of the Old Gaffers Association, from France, Belgium and Germany are also expected.
The battle grounds
Located on the Haringvliet which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the Benelux, situated half an hour’s sail away from the sea locks at Stellendam. The historical fortified town of Hellevoetsluis offers the perfect backdrop for the battle between the classic beauties. The regatta water is spacious though protected. The harbour offers plentiful and conspicuous berths, a good atmosphere and ample eating and watering holes to help you forget possible disappointing end results of the day. The run up to the event sees the majority of participants gathering in various towns such as Vlaardingen, Steenbergen or Willemstad just to get in the mood! Small scale events will be laid on in these harbours during the day prior to the joint sail to Hellevoetsluis.
The Regatta
The Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta comprises a series of races spread out over the duration of the event. The races are suitable for every type of yacht and crew. Pickled racers can make their wakes boil while cruisers will become unexpected sneaky fanatics within their own class. Plastic will compete within their own class. Prior to the beginning of the event a number of organized feeder journeys will be planned. In all cases Hellevoetsluis will be reached on July 27. Saturday 23 July 2011 will see the start of the Classic Passage Race near the Suffolk Marina in England. The race will finish in the Roompot on the Oosterschelde in Holland, after which the participants will proceed further to Zierikzee and Steenbergen. On 26 July the majority of the other yachts may call into Vlaardingen and Willemstad. A Concours d’Elegance will be laid on in Vlaardingen followed by a taste of festivities to follow later in Hellevoetsluis. There will be herring and gin and a jetty BBQ. On 27 July there will be the fun race on the Haringvliet to Hellevoetsluis. Thursday, Friday and Sunday have been reserved for the official regatta races. Saturday is show time for public and participants to enjoy the views of all floating beauties in the harbour of Hellevoetsluis.
A Dutch saying goes: The best helmsmen …..
….of course remain ashore and in this case for a good reason. The 12th edition of the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta offers an interesting , fascinating and amusing programme for both participants and the general public alike. The participants’ marquis will be located next to the characteristic Hellevoetsluis lighthouse. This will function as a cosy sailors home for participants. Every evening a wholesome yet tasty meal will be served. The well-stocked bar may be fully utilized till the early hours while enjoying the music. The marquis will also be the venue for presentations, workshops while screens will be installed which will present amazingly quickly the updated day results and spectacular takes of the races. At a fee Interested members of the public may take the opportunity to go on board of spectator vessels. These vessels will take up strategic positions near the starting lines and subsequently will follow the races.
The shore programme will also comprise rowing races, a nautical market, demonstrations and presentations.
Register!
Every owner of a classic sharp yacht múst participate in the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta at least once to be able to say ”been there-done that”. Practice shows that the first visit kicks off a tradition. Registery is simple via: www.dcyr.nl (you can choose the English version)
Send form to: secretariaat@dcyr.nl
Address:
secretariaat:
Westhavenkade 39
010-4602640
e-mail: secretariaat@dcyr.nl
What is Classic?
Participation in the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta is open to classic sharp yachts. Traditionally those yachts are made of wood or steel, but recently polyester yachts of classic design are also welcome. Every registry will be evaluated within one month by the acceptance committee of the organizing foundation Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta, based on the following criteria:
Undisputed are:
Wooden or iron or steel classic sharp yachts with a design referring to the period prior to 1950
Sharp yachts wood or iron or steel built, after 1960 in accordance with a pre-1960 design
Sharp yachts wood or iron or steel built and designed after 1960, the design of which shows remarkable resemblance with designs prior to 1960
Sharp polyester yachts constructed from a pre-1965 mould
Polyester replicas of sharp yachts designed and built prior to 1965
A maximum of 10 registries for each type of yacht will be accepted. A waiting list will be put in place if the number of 10 registries is exceeded.
Registry fee
In previous years the registry fee was divided into two categories. In 2011 there will only be one rate for all participating yachts. It is anticipated that sponsor contributions will be lower than in the past whereas, in general, the costs are expected be to be higher. The organizing committee expects to break even with a registry fee of € 125 which covers all harbour dues at Vlaardingen, Steenbergen, Willemstad en Hellevoetsluis, the costs for the Goodies bag, the plaquette, the participants programme, prizes, morning coffee and rolls (no dinners and drinks).
Organizing Foundation ‘Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta’ (DCYR)
A small scale sporting event with races between regatta yachts, members of the Association Classic Sharp Yachts (Vereniging Klassieke Scherpe Jachten VKSJ ) formed the basis for the biennial Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta. The regatta has grown into a broader attractive sailing event. The establishment of the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta Foundation was a set up to anchor the continuation of the organization of the regatta and so work could be continued on organizing serious racing events of a warm and social regatta character. The Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta still is the event as it was originally intended to be. It still has a manifest broad platform that commands wide publicity thus attracting the attention that propagates the interests of the classic sharp yacht and creates positive support for the preservation of “the classic sharp yacht”.
DCYR 2011
Contact press and general information:
