As in former years, about 250 young sailors from 12 countries will be competing fiercely to win this prestigious event. The International Easter Optimist Regatta began in 1986 with 75 competitors from mostly the Nordic countries. It gave them a chance to compete in the spring while their homeports were still iced up. The first years saw a rapid growth in contenders and a maximum of 250 sailors was quickly installed. Most countries now have selection rounds to see who is good enough to compete. Like last three years, even competitors from the United States of America will be there to race!

Friday afternoon the 25th of March a practice race will be held to give the competitors a chance to get used to local circumstances. Saturday and Sunday they will be split up in 6 groups, which will compete amongst each other. Saturday 3 races will be held whereas Sunday has 2. After the race on Sunday the 3 groups for the 2 final races on Monday will be announced. These 2 final races will give us the winner of the 20th International Easter Optimist Regatta to whom last year’s victor Victor Bergström (SWE), will then be handing over his crown.

Yacht club Braassemermeer (Roelofarendsveen) is a Yacht club with a keen interest in training and racing both nationally and internationally. The 87-year-old club has about 900 members (some of them even winners of the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup) and excellent facilities like a splendid clubhouse with a grand view over the lake and a modern harbour equipped with all means necessary. In July 2005 YC Braassemermeer will organise the J/22 Worlds (on the IJsselmeer, off Medemblik). More information about the Yacht club and the Easter Regatta can be found at www.braassemermeer.nl

Magic Marine, Print Productions Scheveningen, De Skihut, Svenson Marine and Van Wettum Boats sponsor the 20th International Easter Optimist Regatta.

Source: Bas van Grieken - Event Media