| TONSBERG, NORWAY-(26-4-2004) Winter, snow and ice for the last months, however, spring is in the air, warmer weather is experienced and trees, flowers are coming alive.
Yesterday all the yachts in winther storage on shore at Fjaerholmen were launched and it is growing the enthusiasm for sailing at Tonsberg, next 2004 Soling Europeans venue.
The event is developing; The team performing the races have been established and equipment to be used decided upon.
The social events have been agreed and consist of Opening cermony in Tonsberg at Slottsfjellet, a site used to defend Tonsberg from enemies 1000 years ago. This will be on August 3rd; On Thursday 5th the Soling party will be arranged at Fjaerholmen, an outdoor event where all competitors, visitors and club memebers will get together make friendship and have a pleasant evening in a good summer setting. Saturday evening 7th, Price Giving dinner will be a sit down three course dinner in the club house.
5 countries already made the entry and list keeps growing, a B category fleet plannig also to attend in the Fjord and race aganist the top crews comming from all over. Tonsberg is already known by the Biggest Soling Town with a fleet of 25 boats. More about the Europeans is found at: www.solingeuropeans.com
Traveling to Tonsberg(Norway). Driving as short as possible the daily ferry (Color Line) from Kiel to Oslo is the best alternative. Departure from Kiel 1300 hours every day with arrival in Oslo next morning about 0900, from there it is about 100 km on E18 south to Tonsberg on good road. Return from Oslo every day ay 13.30 arriving Kiel next morning. Unfortunately booking must be earlier and no discounts are available on this route due high season.
We would suggest that participants drive to Fredrikshavn or Hirtshals at the northen part of Denmark and take ferry to Larvik or Oslo.
From Fredrikshavn (Color Line) there is departure on Saturday 31.7 at 0800 arrival 14.30, 15.30 arrival 21.45 and 22.45 arrival 06.45 next morning. Sunday 1.8 08.00 arrival 14.30, 15.30 arrival 21.45 and 22.45 arrival next morning 06.45. Monday 2.8 08.00 arrival 14.15, 15.30 arrival 22.00.
From Larvik about 40 km on E18 north toTonsberg; From Hirtshals to Oslo every day departure 10.00 arrival 18.30. Negotiations are underway to any fare discountsbut nothing is sure yet.
Arriving by air, Sandefjord Torp airport is the closest and they have daily arrivals from London, Hahn and Glasgow (Ryanair), Amsterdam (KLM). Copenhagen (SAS/Widero), Stockholm (Widero). Some of these routes are two or three times a day.
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