A day on the beach

The Hobie 16 and Dragoon European Championships were blown of today

The race committee of the Hobie 16 and Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 cancelled all races for today, Monday. A wild surf, strong onshore wind and huge waves made safe sailing on the North Sea off the coast of Gravenzande (NED) impossible. The weather forecast looks good though, so the organization expects to continue the competition tomorrow.

Despite hours of postponement, the sailors enjoyed themselves on the Gravenzande beach. Trainer Brian Phipps gave a workshop on racing tactics and the youngest competitors made nautical paintings. By the 14.00 hours local time, Race Director Rob Hoogstra cancelled all races for the rest of the afternoon.

Tomorrow will be the last day of the youth events in both the Hobie 16 with spinnaker and Hobie Dragoon. Particualrly in the Hobie 16, the battle for the medals is close and exciting. Richards and Kersuzan from France are leading by one point. Butler and Sutcliffe (GBR) will finish the job, as there will be no threat for their European Hobie Dragoon title anymore. The boys have easily won every single race so far. Tuesday will also be the start of the qualifying series for the Open Hobie 16 Europeans.

The Hobie 16 and Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 are sponsored by: I-Drukker.nl, Carrier Airconditioning, the Greenery, Autobedrijf Schoenmeijer, Vakantiepark Vlugtenburg aan zee, Tomselect, Ernst Olieman BV, Hogenboom vakantieparken, AfvalisHipenSexy.nl, Wealco Systemen BV, Westland Energie Services, ProfMedia BV, Rabobank, Boekestijn Transport Service, De Parel, Center Line, Hoeve de Viersprong, Colour XL, IkSloopGoedkoop.nl, Kwekerij Rozenhof, Ariën Hofman MD, Combifleur, Hobie Cat Holland BV, Westland Workwear, Woodfever, Veenman, Gemeente Westland, Arditio fotografie, Valere ICT Strategies, Vrijwillige Reddingsbrigade 's Gravenzande, Jessica emotions& flowers, Venvo Zonwering and van Spronsen, b.v.