New features for North Sea Regatta

Two extra classes join the party for this year's ABN AMRO-sponsored event

The 2006 ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta this year includes the IMS European Championship and it is the first to have two new classes competing in the Netherlands.

This season, the one-design classes X-35 and Streamline Class Association enrich the Dutch regatta. Their first competition on a national level will be in Scheveningen from 2-5 June 2006. Meanwhile, the IMS fleet will race for the European title. The former Olympic O-jol will be added to the program as well. In total, about 500 boats will compete, devided over 21 disciplines and five courses.

As the participants of the Vuurschepenrace to Harwich sets sail on 23 May, the Volvo Ocean Race fleet will be in Portsmouth, Great Britain. The starting gun for the leg the long way around the British Isles to Rotterdam will be fired on 2 June 2nd, at the same time as ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta starts as well. Spokesman Frans Sluyters: “That is pretty special for us, since all Dutch competitors in the Volvo Ocean Race participated in the ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta. In addition, some of the young Dutch potentials, who were not selected for ABN AMRO Two, are racing in Scheveningen again.”

Sailing Program

A considerable number of international Laser sailors are expected to compete in Scheveningen after their participation in the olympic Holland Regatta. This year, the four day catamaran competition of the ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta will be open for the Olympic Tornado class for the first time. Sluyters: “The IMS Europeans will attract extra foreign teams. We are also looking forward to the new X-35 and Streamline Class Association fleets. Both classes are a real asset to our event.”

Golden Earring as warming up

The regatta village in the Scheveningen harbour is once again the heart of the ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta. It is the annual meeting point of many sailors from several classes. The ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta is well known for its parties. This year will feature an appearance by Golden Earring, known for their 1970s hit Radar Love, at the Nautical Center in Scheveningen. On Friday evening 2 June, the band will ‘warm up’ the participants with its extensive repertoire. Due to last year’s success, Dutch star cook Paul van Waarden from Rijswijk will move his entire restaurant to the ABN AMRO Captains Club again. During the event, Van Waarden and his team will prepare lunches and dinners on a daily base for about 2.000 guests.

About ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta 2006

The ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta starts on Tuesday 23 May 2006 with the traditional Vuurschepenrace for IMS and ORC yachts. This offshore of 110 nautical miles goes from Scheveningen to Harwich. On 26 May after a lay-day, the starting gun will be fired again for the North Sea Race of 180 nautical miles back to Scheveningen. The inshore races will be sailed from Friday 2 June until Whit Monday 5 June off the Scheveningen coast. The fleet consists of dinghies, beach catamarans, olympic- and one-design classes, modern and classic yachts. On Saturday 10 June, the Volvo Ocean Race teams will compete in the Rotterdam inport race. The Race Committee of the ABN AMRO North Sea Regatta will also take care of that start and the one of the last leg to Gothenburg.