UNLOADING CONTAINERS
We expect the containers round December 31st back in Rotterdam. We will unload the three containers in Ridderkerk (same location like loading) on Saturday January 9th.
We expect unloading in Sempach will be at January 16th.
ALMOST ALL PARTICIPANTS BACK AT HOME
After a wonderful week sailing in the Caribbean almost all participants are back at home. To see how the event has been, take a look at www.arubaregatta.com and watch the videos.
NO RACING ON FINAL DAY DART 18 WORLDS AND ARUBA HEINEKEN CATAMARAN REGATTA
Aruba, November 27 2009
On Friday November 27, the final race of the Dart 18 Worlds and Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2009 had to be cancelled. The 28 knots strong trade wind put an early end to the sailing competition and battle for bronze. The German Dart duo Matthias Huber and Dominik Volke could celebrate its third position. John Moret and Paul Smissaert (NED) remain in second position at the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta, followed by Leo Ambtman and Maarten Kroon on the Tornado. The prize giving will be at Moomba's Beach during a dinner party with live music.
As soon as the tenth race was officially abandoned, the German sailors started celebrating their medal. "This is outstanding", jubilated Matthias Huber. "We were looking forward to the last fight with Thierry Wibaux, but of course we are also very happy with this result." It was the fourth event for Huber and Volke as a team. In 2008, they won the German Nationals and they finished eleventh at the Worlds in the Netherlands.
Dutch glory
"We are absolutely pleased with our fourth place", said Bart Damen from the Netherlands. "To be honest, I am glad that we didn't go out sailing today. It would have been difficult to keep this position with a second discard. It was a great sailing week." Nicolette van Gorp and Ruud van Gisbergen (NED) also considered the abandoned race as their luck. Van Gisbergen: "We didn't come for snorkeling, but it would have been hard to keep the fifth spot. It is the first time that a female helmsman makes it to the top five at the Worlds."
Thierry Wibaux from France needed today's result in order to get rid off his second discard. That would bring him close to bronze, but it wasn't meant to be. Wibaux: "The pressure is gone now, so it is ok. This is part of the game."
Dart 18 News
"Yesterday at the Annual General Meeting, we proudly announced the Aruban Dart 18 Class Association", says Nicolette van Gorp, Chairman of the International Dart Association (IDA). "Over the last few years, the Aruban Dart 18 fleet has grown from one to seven boats at the moment." And it was the first time ever that the Caribbean Island hosted a World Championship for catamarans. Van Gorp: "We are all pleased with this spot and it was very well organized. Unfortunately the crisis spoilt the number of entries. However, it was good to see a bigger Swiss and German attendance, which is good for the class. France was the only country that hesitated in 2007, when Aruba was chosen as location for the 2009 Worlds. And they came here with the biggest and enthusiatic group." Next year's Worlds will be in Weymouth / England.
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
This morning, the F18 Capsize Kings John Moret and Paul Smissaert (NED) were relieved that they did not have to test the limits again. Moret: "This was my 18th Aruba Regatta and I have never experienced this before. It was great sailing with lots of swimming and a good rescue team." His crew Smissaert calls it a 'sensational week': "In fact it was too windy and I normally don't ever say that. It took al lot of energy, but it was also good fun. We are grateful for all the assistance on the water."
Leo Ambtman and Maarten Kroon finished third overall with their Tornado. Ambtman: "It was a tough regatta. It started with rough conditions, which was a bit too much for us, so we didn't sail the first race. It is unfortunate that we couldn't do the last one in the big breeze. We could have beaten John, in case he would capsize. The Tornado is still a beautiful boat to sail here."
According to event organizer Edwin Lodder (NED) the twentieth edition of the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is going to be a true jubilee: "In 2010, we will try to bring as many former and new competitors together in another great sailing week on Aruba. Hopefully the exposure to the ten countries that were represented this year, will bring new sailors to the Caribbean."
Dart 18 Worlds 2009 - Final top five after 9 races and one discard:
FRA - Emmanuel Dodé & Fred Moreau, 9 points
GBR - David Lloyd & Joanna Jones-Pierce, 20 points
GER - Matthias Huber & Dominik Volke, 30 points
NED - Ruud Goudriaan & Bart Damen, 37 points
NED - Nicolette van Gorp & Ruud van Gisbergen, 45 points
Final top three Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta after nine races and one discard:
NED - F18 - Xander & Mark Pols, 7 points
NED - F18 - John Moret & Paul Smissaert, 18 points
NED - Tornado - Leo Ambtman & Maarten Kroon, 23,5 points
DODÉ/MOREAU WIN 2009 DART 18 WORLD TITLE WITH ONE RACE TO SPARE
Pols brothers win Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2009
Aruba, November 26 2009
On Thursday November 26, Emmanuel Dodé and Fred Moreau from France won the 2009 Dart 18 World Title with one race to spare. They are the true champions with seven bullets and two seconds. A crack in the back beam almost put an end to their attempt to prolong their title. However, the strong French team spirit brought them quickly back to the Caribbean Sea to finish the job. The British duo David Lloyd and Joanna Jones-Pierce will bring a silver medal home, but the battle for bronze is still on. The Pols brothers won the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2009.
"Nobody has ever won the Dart 18 World Title twice in a row, so that was my goal for this year", says Dodé cheerfully. "And it was the French team that made it happen, as everybody helped us solving the problem with the boat." Just after the lunch, the Atol Sailing Team discovered a crack in the back beam of their 29 year old Dart 18. That was a serious threat to their championship with three races to go. Dodé: "The minute I saw it, I only thought 'action'. Thierry organized a spare beam from a local Dart 18 and others started dissembling the platform. It was like a Formula 1 pit stop. Thanks to all the assistance, we could finish the competition. We capsized on our way to the start, but we managed to be there 1,5 minute before the gun." And the champions took that bullet in style and also today's last one. "The work is done, so we will party tonight and pack the boat away tomorrow", commented the delighted sailors.
'Disappointing silver medal'
"We are not happy with silver", is Lloyd's clear answer to the question about their result. "We have had a fabulous season so far. We won the Dutch, Belgian and UK Inland Nationals with one race to spare and now we are second. It is my fifth podium finish in a row, but I still miss a first position. Joanna also took two silver medals before, so I really wanted to win here." According to Lloyd, the incredible upwind speed of the French winners made the biggest difference: "Even if they went the wrong way, we struggled to hold them." However, the breakage of the French beam could have been an interesting turning-point. Jones-Pierce: "I thought, we will find out what kind of sailor Emmanuel is. Whether he would give in to the pressure or not, but he still won the race. His head is there, he is a true champion."
Exciting battle for bronze
The top two spots are taken, but the third podium position is still available for four teams. The second worst result may be discarded after ten races. The Germans Matthias Huber and Dominik Volke are still in third place overall, despite the broken harp of the mainsail block in the last race. Huber: "It is going to be exciting tomorrow. We would be very happy with a medal, as our position is a surprise to us. The weather forecast shows less breeze, so that will be interesting." Nicolette van Gorp and Ruud van Gisbergen (NED) had a good day with a 3-2-6 in the Zwitserleven races. They are currently in fifth place, after their fellow countrymen Ruud Goudriaan and Bart Damen. Van Gorp: "I hoped that we would perform well, but this is above expectation. Bronze would be outstanding." According to Van Gisbergen, it paid to go through the middle today: "The gusts were strong in the middle of the course and we put in a few tacks." The fourth favorite for bronze is Thierry Wibaux from France, who carries a big discard (22) from yesterday. Wibaux: "It is a tight competition, so tomorrow we have to start at full speed and sprint to the finish."
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
"We had a race in a race today", said Xander Pols. He and his brother Marc Pols easily won the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta this week. They simply win every race with their F18 Nacra Infusion. However, today they made their own contest. Xander Pols: "We said to Klaus Rocholl and Christian Goecke: 'Forget about the rating and let's battle it out on the course." That is how the German Tornado duo got fired up and gave the Dutch sailors a good fight.
Marc Pols: "We were board to board all the time and they passed us a few times. At the finish, they were only about twenty seconds behind us. That was great." Despite the lack of competition, Pols enjoyed this week's sailing very much: "It was spectacular racing and our boat handling was fast. I think the strong breeze was an advantage for us, as we can manage these conditions pretty well." The Dutch F18 sailors John Moret and Paul Smissaert stayed upright today and climbed back to second position overall. Leo Ambtman and Maarten Kroon dropped to the third place.
Dart 18 Worlds 2009 - Top five after 9 races and one discard:
FRA - Emmanuel Dodé & Fred Moreau, 9 points
GBR - David Lloyd & Joanna Jones-Pierce, 20 points
GER - Matthias Huber & Dominik Volke, 30 points
NED - Ruud Goudriaan & Bart Damen, 37 points
NED - Nicolette van Gorp & Ruud van Gisbergen, 45 points
Top three Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta after nine races and one discard:
NED - F18 - Xander & Mark Pols, 7 points
NED - F18 - John Moret & Paul Smissaert, 18 points
NED - Tornado - Leo Ambtman & Maarten Kroon, 23,5 points
Aruba, November 25 2009
PRESS RELEASE
BRITONS BREAK FRENCH DOMINATION AT DART 18 WORLDS 2009
New top three Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
Aruba, November 25 2009
Finally, the British duo David Lloyd and Joanna Jones-Pierce broke the French domination at the Dart 18 Worlds 2009 in Aruba. They managed to steal one bullet from the leaders Emmanuel Dodcute; and Fred Moreau. The three scheduled races could be sailed in a building breeze, starting with about 20 knots in the morning. At the first start in the afternoon, a shower with gale-force winds hit the open class of the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta. The runners-up John Moret and Paul Smissaert pitch poled and destroyed their F18 mainsail. The competition in the Dart 18 fleet was full on, with the Swiss team Heynisch/Gysi as newcomer to the top five. The podium positions changed in both classes.
Palm Tours Race 4 - Unfortunate start for French couple Wibaux
Today's first race showed an interesting line-up for the start. The Dutchmen Goudriaan/Damen chose for the pin-end, whereas the Atol Sailing Team Dodé/Moreau crossed the line in the middle and Lloyd/Jones-Pierce at the committee boat. Thierry and Christine Wibaux (FRA) were struck with bad luck, as their mainsail hook came off minutes after the gun. They had to fix it on the beach. The French title defenders and the Dutchmen went into the left corner and took a clear lead at the top mark, with Dodé and Moreau in a comfortable first position. Both frontrunners hang on to their position till the finish, but there was a strong battle for the third place. Werner Heynisch and Markus Gysi from Switzerland sailed in third position, until Nicolette van Gorp and Ruud van Gisbergen (NED) overtook them in the second beat. Van Gorp: "We went through the middle, which paid. But we lost our place to the Germans, by going to the left in the last upwind. The gusts were troubling us." That is how Matthias Huber and Dominik Volke finished third.
Setar Race 5 and 6 - Tough competition in the top
In the first race after the lunch, the heat was full on. Dodé and Moreau thought they were early over the line and went back for a re-start. Lloyd and Jones-Pierce took advantage of the situation and were first around the top mark. Lloyd: "We were fired up after such a bad race this morning." The British duo finished ninth. "The Swiss gave us a good battle. They caught us on a gust downwind and on the second run Emmanuel had a massive comeback." Moreau explains: "We had to attack, so we tried to play the shifts and gusts." This time, it was good enough for a second place, after Lloyd and Jones-Pierce. Lloyd: "At least, we have saved the British record of Gereth Owen this week. He became the 1998 Dart 18 World Champion by winning every race." Huber and Volke finished third.
Although Dodé and Moreau re-installed their tradition of taking bullets in today's last race, it wasn't an easy win. They were first round the top mark, but with Huber/Volke directly in their wake. Dodé: "We had a great battle with Matthias and Dominik. Our upwind speed is a bit better and they are a little quicker downwind." Huber comments: "We even overtook him at one point, but they are pointing higher and the crew is working the mainsheet on every wave. They sail perfectly." The Germans climbed to a third place on the overall leader board. Thierry and Christine Wibaux dropped to the seventh position, as they pitch poled close to the last gate.
It was a busy time for the rescue boats of the Aruba Watersports Center, as many boats capsized and several helmsmen fell overboard and had to be picked up.
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
"I have never ever started with 40 knots breeze", said Xander Pols on the beach. Just before the first race in the afternoon, a squall with gale force winds came over. John Moret and Paul Smissaert tried to bear away for the line, but pitch poled merciless. That was already the second unfortunate moment for the Dutch F18 sailors on this fourth day. Their mainsail came undone in the morning, so they missed the first gun and fought back to a sixth position. But the second time of bad luck put an end to today's racing, as they fell through the mainsail and they struggled to get the boat upright again. Leo Ambtman and Maarten Kroon (NED) sailed their Tornado well and overtook the second position overall.
Although the Pols brothers won every race, there were also some surprises on the course. The Dutch F18 sailors Willie van der Heijden and Arthur Moerman finished second and third in the afternoon. And the mixed Aruban/Dutch team of Friso Bakker and Henk Hankarth was first over the line in the morning. Bakker with a smile: "We finished ahead of Xander, which is a legendary moment." They are sailing a Dart 18 and have to do one lap less. Bakker: "We were too late with entering the Worlds. That is why we are participating at the Aruba Regatta, but we are enjoying it very much."
After a day full of action, the participants and their families are welcomed to the Holiday Inn dinner party on the beach. Their program for tomorrow includes another three races in windy conditions.
Top five Dart 18 Worlds 2009 after five races and one discard:
FRA - Emmanuel Dodé & Fred Moreau, 5 points
GBR - David Lloyd & Joanna Jones-Pierce, 13 points
GER - Matthias Huber & Dominik Volke, 15 points
NED - Ruud Goudriaan & Bart Damen, 20 points
SUI - Werner Heynisch & Markus Gysi, 30 points
Top three Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta after races and one discard:
NED - Xander & Mark Pols, 5 points
NED - Leo Ambtman & Maarten Kroon, 26,5 points
NED - John Moret & Paul Smissaert, 28 points
In addition to the title sponsors Aruba Tourism Authority and Heineken Aruba NV, this year's Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta and Dart18 World Championships are also supported by Martinair, GILS Worldwide, Setar, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Tropical Bottling Company, Coca Cola, AWA, Aruba Aloë, VR Shipping, Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Moomba, Zwitserleven, TNG, Patria and AMI Kappers.
Aruba, November 24 2009
FRENCH TEAMS DOMINATE THIRD DAY DART 18 WORLDS 2009
Dutch top three at Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
The French sailors dominated the third day of the Dart 18 Worlds 2009 in Aruba. Title defender Emmanuel Dodé and Fred Moreau took both bullets and are leading by five points now. Former World Champions Thierry and Christine Wibaux climbed to the third position overall. David Lloyd and Joanna Jones-Pierce (GBR) hang on to their second place. However, the difference between the numbers two till four is only one point. The Pols brothers had a bit more competition in the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta, but won still both races. Today's offshore breeze was more gentle with about 20-25 knots.
The leading Frenchmen did not have a good start in the first race this morning. "We had too much speed and had to bear away before the gun", explained Dodé. Their German, Dutch and British competitors crossed the line at the committee boat and took an early lead. Dodé: "I think we were fifteenth after 200 meters, but our strategy worked out well. We went to the right as soon as possible, but not all the way to the lay-line. We under-tacked it, because we preferred to play the many shifts -mainly to the left- at the top mark close to the shore."
The Britons Lloyd/Jones-Pierce lead at the first buoy. Lloyd: "Emmanuel got us on the second beat. He seemed to have more wind round the mark and he was gone." Dodé comments: "We often made a gibe-set, because there is less breeze at the right side of the downwind course with all the hotels along the beach." The British couple finished second, followed by Thierry and Christine Wibaux.
Second Race - French party
Although Dodé/Moreau had a better second start, they did not win the first beat. Moreau: "We were covered by Thierry, who was pointing less high, so we decided to dip and pass him in leeward." Meanwhile the Dutchmen Ruud Goudriaan and Bart Damen were smoking. They won the tacking battle close to the top mark and were first round. Damen with a smile: "That was our goal, so that felt great. Unfortunately, we are slow downwind. The more experienced teams do a much better job." Especially Thierry and Christine Wibaux - the 2004 Dart 18 World Champions - were on fire downwind. Thierry Wibaux: "We were indeed very fast, but it also paid to go far to the right on the beat. We were a way out of the lay-line, which took us straight to the mark." Dodé/Moreau lead in the gate, followed by the Wibaux couple. Both French teams didn't give up their positions anymore. The Germans Matthias Huber and Dominik Volke were third over the line.
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
Today's racing at the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta was more competitive. The action was full on with some dramatic capsizes. Ten out of fifteen teams managed to handle the tough conditions. Xander and Marc Pols took both bullets, but they had to fight for it. Especially in the first race, they felt the pressure of John Moret and Paul Smissaert. But the unfortunate Dutch sailors went upside down again, which allowed the Tornado duo Leo Ambtman and Maarten Kroon to pass them. Moret with a bruised hand: "We are the capsize kings of the week, but we are done with that now. Tomorrow, we will get Xander."
Dart 18 Worlds 2009 - Top five after three races
FRA - Emmanuel Dodé & Fred Moreau, 3 points
GBR - David Lloyd & Joanna Jones-Pierce, 9 points
FRA - Thierry & Christine Wibaux, 10 points
GER - Matthias Huber & Dominik Volke, 10 points
NED - Ruud Goudriaan & Bart Damen, 14 points
Top three Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta after three races:
NED - F18 - Xander & Mark Pols, 3 points
NED - F18 - John Moret & Paul Smissaert, 6 points
NED - Tornado - Leo Ambtman & Maarten Kroon, 22 points
For Wednesday, there are three races scheduled for both fleets.
Aruba, November 23 2009
PRESS RELEASE
FRENCHMEN DODÉ/MOREAU TAKE EARLY LEAD AT DART 18 WORLDS 2009
Pols brothers win first race Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
Aruba, November 23 2009
On Monday November 23 2009, title defender Emmanuel Dodé and his crew Fred Moreau from France took an early lead at the Dart 18 Worlds in Aruba. The Atol Sailing Team won the only race of the day, sailed in a 25-30 knots offshore breeze. The Britons David Lloyd and Joanna Jones-Pierce finished second, although they leaded in the first lap. The German team Matthias Huber and Dominik Volke followed in third place. Xander and Mark Pols (NED) were the only sailors who could keep their F18 upright in the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta. They won by miles.
The Dutchmen and newcomers to the Dart 18 class Ruud Goudriaan and Bart Damen nailed the start, closely followed by the French and British favorites. In the first beat, they went to the left with the rest of the fleet, whereas Lloyd and Jones-Pierce took a flyer to the right side of the windy course. Lloyd: "We made the brave call to tack off, because we expected the wind to be more clear in that corner with less buildings onshore." That tactic paid off and the British couple were first at the top mark, followed by Dodé/Moreau and Goudriaan/Damen.
The French and British Dart 18's came together in the gate. Dodé: "We had water, so we could cross in front of them, but then we made a mistake, so they passed us again." The Frenchmen pushed hard and took the lead in the next lap. Dodé: "Our speed was a little bit better and that is how we won." Lloyd and Jones-Pierce decided not to take any risk and safe some energy. Jones-Pierce: "It was incredibly windy and on most of the other boats, the crew is sheeting. I think I am the lightest on the wire and David takes the sheet, but we handled the boat right in these conditions. I am very happy with this result." And so was Matthias Huber, who overtook the Dutchmen only a few meters from the finish line: "They pitch poled and that is how we passed them."
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
The Dutch F18 teams of Xander/Mark Pols and John Moret/Paul Smissaert were smoking today. Just minutes after the gun, they already left their thirteen competitors far behind. The Pols brothers hoisted the spinnaker first and kept their Nacra Infusion upright. Moret and Smissaert did not succeed in keeping their heads dry. They capsized twice and still managed to finish second, followed by the German duo Dieter Maurer and Gunther Mortl. They were the only finishers. Xander Pols: "At the committee boat, I did not expect they would continue the starting procedure. I can't even remember the last time I sailed in such a strong breeze. The only tactic was to choose the right moment for a gibe, so we would not nose dive."
All racing in the afternoon was cancelled due to the stormy conditions. However, tomorrow's lay day will be used to catch up on two lost races. It will be an early start for the competitors, as the first start will be at 10 am. But now it is time for Happy Hour on the beach and the Pelican dinner party on the pier.
Top five Dart 18 Worlds 2009:
FRA - Emmanuel Dodé & Fred Moreau
GBR - David Lloyd & Joanna Jones-Pierce
GER - Matthias Huber & Dominik Volke
NED - Ruud Goudriaan & Bart Damen
FRA - Thierry & Christine Wibaux
Top three Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta:
NED - Xander & Mark Pols
NED - John Moret & Paul Smissaert
GER - Dieter Maurer & Gunther Mortl
In addition to the title sponsors Aruba Tourism Authority and Heineken Aruba NV, this year's Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta and Dart18 World Championships are also supported by Martinair, GILS Worldwide, Setar, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Tropical Bottling Company, Coca Cola, AWA, Aruba Aloë, VR Shipping, Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Moomba, Zwitserleven, TNG, Patria and AMI Kappers.
Aruba, November 22 2009
PRESS RELEASE
NO RACING ON FIRST DAY DART 18 WORLDS & ARUBA HEINEKEN CATAMARAN REGATTA
37 Knots keep cat sailors onshore
Aruba, November 22 2009
There was no racing on the first day of this year's Dart 18 Worlds and Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta. The strong offshore breeze gusted up to 37 knots, which kept the cat sailors ashore. A total of 37 teams entered the Dart 18 Worlds and another fifteen the annual Aruba Heineken Regatta. Although there was no practice race today, the competitors could warm up in the swim contest with TNG Watches and Zwitserleven jackets as special prizes.
Former winner of the Aruba Regatta, John Moret (NED), and his crew Paul Smissaert (NED) tested the windy conditions. They hoisted the spinnaker after leaving the beach, but it did not take long for them to nosedive their F18. "This had nothing to do with sailing", admitted Moret afterwards. "The wind and angles were bizarre. We also had difficulties to upright the boat."
"I wish I was out there now", said Matthias Huber from Germany, while watching the Dutchmen trying their luck on the Caribbean Sea. The German Dart 18 Champion 2008 and European Champion of 1998 likes the strong breeze: "In these circumstances I would be better than three quarter of the fleet." He finished eleventh at last year's Dart 18 Worlds in the Netherlands, so his goal is to improve that result.
According to the weather forecast for tomorrow, it will be again windy. However, the Portuguese duo Fransisco Merlo and Antonio Jesvino is optimistic: "The wind will get tired of blowing eventually. This is the Caribbean."
After yesterday's traditional opening ceremony with Aruban dancers, the Beach BBQ Party at Moomba's is awaiting the sailors this evening.
In addition to the title sponsors Aruba Tourism Authority and Heineken Aruba NV, this year's Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta and Dart18 World Championships are also supported by Martinair, GILS Worldwide, Setar, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Tropical Bottling Company, Coca Cola, AWA, Aruba Aloë, VR Shipping, Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Moomba, Zwitserleven, TNG, Patria and AMI Kappers.
Saturday, November 21st
All boats are on the beach, prepared to start racing on Sunday. The opening party was great with good dinner, drinks, local carnaval dansers and brassband.
Monday, November 16th
All containers arrived on the beach and ready to unload.
Friday, November 13th
Excellent weather conditions on Aruba with good wind and a lot of sun.
Monday November 16th the containers will be transported to the beach.
Monday October 26th: Four Containers arrived on Aruba
33 Dart18's on their way to Aruba
On Saturday October 10th in the Netherlands 20 Dart18's are loaded in the containers to ship to Aruba. The week before, 13 boats were loaded in one container in Suisse. In the first week of November the containers are expected on Aruba.
Notice of Race
Click here to download a pdf-file with the Notice of Race
News
September 10th
Loading containers. On Saturday October 10th the containers will be loaded nearby Rotterdam (Ridderkerk). Please note this date in your agenda, to be sure you will be there to load your boat in the containers. More information about loading, we will send you by mail.
The teams from Suisse/Germany will load their container in Suisse in the weekend 3 and 4 October.
September 9th,
19th Aruba Heineken Regatta and Dart18 Worlds will be one big event: Because of the fact the total number of Dart18 entries is less then expected, the organisation decided in consultation with the International Dart18 Class Association to make the combination with the 19th Aruba Heineken Regatta. From 20 - 28 November the Dart18 sailors will sail their World Championship and the sailors in the open-Aruba Heineken class will sail their races. Together all sailors and non-sailors will participate in the social programme and have fun on the beach with lunches, happy-hours, dinners, parties etc. By making the combination it will be possible to organise an excellent week for all sailors and non sailors.
August 24th,
Dear Dart18 Sailors. We just received information fom Martinair about the flight schedule. In November no flights will be on Wednesday. We are very sorry about this, which will mean some teams have to change the travel schedule to or from Aruba.
Edwin Lodder
Dear Dart 18 sailors,
We are very happy to inform you about the Dart18 World Championships 2009, to be held on
The event will be organised at Aruba in front of the beautiful
Next weeks we have to book the hotel rooms, the flights, the containers and we have to arrange the race committee, the safety boats, the social events etc. So please let us know before August 15th if you want to participate and send us the entry form. And from August 15th the registration fee will cost you an extra € 200,- , because of extra reservation costs. That’s also why we want to ask you to fill in the registration form now and let us now you will come to
All information about the event you will see at our website www.dartworlds2009.com and the entry-forms are available at the website.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
We hope to see you on
Best regards,
