Cat race in the Caribbean

What could be better? 50 spots available to compete in this year's Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta

Registration for the annual Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2008 has opened. This tropical sailing event takes place from 13-23 November, 2008 with, usually, ideal wind conditions. During that time, around 50 catamaran teams will compete on the warm Caribbean Sea. The Dutchmen Eduard van Zanen and Mischa Heemskerk claimed the title in 2007 after a tough competition. They will compete again this year to defend their title. It is now possible to register on the new website www.arubaregatta.nl . A maximum of 50 boats can be shipped from Europe.

The organisation of the 18th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta has worked tirelessly during the last couple of months to create a great sailing program; which will more than satisfy both experienced competition sailors and recreational sailors. To allow the contestants after their arrival to acclimatize better to the tropical temperatures, the program has been extended this year by a day, to make nine days in total. After arrival, they can leisurely assemble their boats, and train. After this, they will sail in 12 races spread over five competition days. These races vary from short to (semi) long-distance races along the beautiful Aruban coast and through the, for many sailors, challenging lagoon.

Contestants compete for the honour and a return ticket.

For many professional teams it is an ideal training environment. For the recreational participant, it is a good environment to gain experience, share knowledge with experienced professionals, and to enjoy the sun, wind, good food, and social nights out. And for non-sailors it’s a great week with a lot of sun and fun on the beach and on the water.

The catamarans leave Felixstowe & Rotterdam in October in containers. EWL ships them directly to Aruba, where they will be placed on the beach adjacent to the event hotel, The Holiday Inn. The participants can go directly from their rooms to the beach, to sail and enjoy an active vacation. There are five containers available from Europe, in which a maximum of 50 boats can be transported.

Catamarans for rent

The organization is expecting participants from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria and the UK. This year; local teams from Aruba will participate, and probably some from America as well, as it is possible to rent boats from Hobie Cat Holland, which will be shipped to Aruba and made ready on the beach. In this way, sailors from inside and outside Europe can rent a boat as well. Apart from the winners from last year, Menno Vercouteren and Jaap Strakenbroek (top 3 finish in the Zwitserleven Round Texel Race in 2007), Stuart Gummer, William Sunnucks and John Moret (all former winners of the Aruba Heineken Regatta), will also travel this year to the Dutch Caribbean island.

The organisation is also preparing for tjhe Dart 18 World Championship, which will be held after the Aruba Heineken Regatta, in 2009. An expected 80 Dart 18 catamarans will compete. Various Dart 18-teams will come to Aruba this year to train and to get to know to the conditions.

For more information concerning the Aruba Heineken Regatta, please visit www.arubaregatta.nl or contact Richard Allen at richard@inwardshore.co.uk