Innovations For 30th Race

The Zwitserleven Round Texel Race in the Netherlands has several innovations for its 30th edition. First, the recreational sailors will have their own classification, the so-called silver fleet. That means they do not need a measurement form and they pay a lower entry fee, which makes participation in world’s biggest cat race more economical.

The party tent is the second change, as the new licensee and caterer will restore the original social atmosphere. As of 6 March, all participants can register for the Zwitserleven Round Texel Race 2007, that will start on 23 June.

Despite the two classes, the whole fleet starts together, so the sensation of hundreds of colourful catamarans on one line remains the same. The top three performances in the silver fleet will be awarded with encouragement prizes. During the Round Texel Week, the recreational sailors can also enjoy the traditional Horsttocht and social beach culture.

The Dutch competitors in Texel also participate in the official Dutch Catamaran Sailing Championship, called the Texel Dutch Open, run for three days starting on 20 June.

The Changes

Event organizer Edwin LODDER explained the innovations, ‘Over the last 30 years, the racing element of the Zwitserleven Round Texel Race became more and more important. Top sailors from all over the world come to Texel. This development involves an increase in rules, which made it more difficult and expensive for recreational sailors to join.’

Consequently the number of recreational sailors dropped and so the race organization, in consultation with the Koninklijk Nederlands Watersport Verbond, decided to simplify and lower the costs of participation for this important target group.

LODDER continued, ‘We also concluded from last year’s questionnaires that the tent programme was no longer attractive for our participants. In fact, it was a source of dissension, which we took very seriously. We think we have found a good solution. Hopefully all changes will lead to a great jubilee party.’

Apart from Zwitserleven, the event is also sponsored by TNG Swiss Watches, Repeat Sales Promotions, W&H/Liebherr, Yamaha Nederland, Nissan, Teso, VVV Texel, the Mondriaan Onderwijsgroep, de Meeuw, Zeilen and Paal 17 events.