Registration soon to open

The Zwitserleven Round Texel catamaran bonanza set to be bigger than ever this year

From 1 March 2008 onwards, catamaran sailors from all over the world can enter for the 31st Zwitserleven Round Texel. Entries can be made online here. Just like in 2007, recreational participants can opt to sail in the silver fleet. In this case, entry is cheaper and less complicated. The gold fleet is open for racing teams that have a valid measurement certificate for their boat. The yearly sports spectacle starts on Saturday 7 June, around 10am just off the coast at Paal 17. Then hundreds of catamarans will head for the lighthouse.

Foreign competitors in the gold fleet should possess a valid measurement form. They can also compete in the official Dutch Catamaran Sailing Championship, which is called Texel Dutch Open. This event takes place at the same location from 4-6 June. The rules of entry also apply for the sailors in the silver fleet, but for them the organisation buys off the required certificates. “In this manner we try to lower the participation threshold, but all catamaran sailors are of course more than welcome to compete for the prizes in the gold fleet. That’s completely up to them. We want to keep offering everyone this cheaper and simpler option”, says Race Co-ordinator Edwin Lodder.

TNG Shorttrack Races

On Friday 6 June, in the afternoon 12 top teams, who have been invited, will appear at the start of the TNG Short track Races. These short, exciting matches take place close to the shore. After every race, the three crews that finished last drop out. In the end only the winner remains.

The day before, the traditional Horsttocht is scheduled. Every year, this recreational trip offers the organisation the chance to test all radio communication and the use of rescue boats. For the sailors it is mainly a leisurely manner to explore the difficult sailing conditions around the Molengat.

The pit lane on the beach and the large party tent are again the beating heart of the event grounds at Paal 17. This is where sponsors, dealers and teams present themselves.

Apart from Zwitserleven, the event will be sponsored by TNG Swiss Watches, Repeat Sales Promotions, W&H/Liebherr, Yamaha Holland, Nissan, Bizzmark, Teso, VVV Texel, the Mondriaan Onderwijsgroep, Rabobank, de Meeuw, Zeilen, Texeler, Stiehl Entertainment and Paal-17 Events.