Caribbean Championship Weihnachten 2013 (!)

Liebe Freunde langfristiger Planungen hier ist ein großartiger Vorschlag von Rob Taal, wo Ihr 2013 Weihnachten verbringen könntet:

Caribbean Championship 2013

Many sailors would like to have an FD-regatta in the Caribbean. For years I have been asked to organize one . And it was clear during the championship hearing in Malcesine that the FD-sailors were in favor of it. Because there are not enough local boats, it has not been possible to have a World Championship in the Caribbean so far. Is that a problem? We Caribbeans don’t think about problems. The weather is much too beautiful for that! So, I am inviting, on behalf of the island and the inhabitants of Bonaire, all FD-sailors and their families for a unique and unforgettable experience. From 27 until 31 December 2013 we will keep the Caribbean Championship Flying Dutchman. Don’t miss it!

Who doesn’t know the tropical images? The blue and clear ocean. Swaying palm trees. And ideal wind: mostly moderate, occasionally as strong as force 5. The strength depend on how close you sail under the shore. But images don’t capture what the Caribbean is really about: the pleasant warmth, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. And Bonaire offers something on top. It is a prime location for diving(would you like to have your PADI-certificate in 3 or 4 days?). And of course also for snorkeling. That Bonaire is special, you also experience as you sail. Tropical fish under your boat and flying fish or dolphins that guide you. Not without reason we focus this invitation also to the families of the sailors. Because even for the non-sailors, Bonaire is a holiday paradise. Especially for people who like (rugged) nature. There are beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking coasts and nice beaches. Not so many large beaches as in Aruba. But smaller ones, and more varied. And always the most beautiful fishes within reach. Step from the shoreline into the water and you will be amazed. Therefore: come not only for the sailing but enjoy the whole island as well.

We have scheduled the Caribbean Championship between Christmas and New Year 2013. A festive and holiday period. Extremely suitable for the combination of a relaxed but competitive Championship.

Contest Committee

The Bonaire-Sailing Foundation and the local club is quite small. But make no mistake about this. The BSaF hosts the internationally visited Bonaire-Regatta. And also organizes many windsurf competitions. Not without reason the Bonairean windsurfers are top-professionals. The race officials are knowledgeable and experienced. And especially: the club would like very much to organize  a good FD-event.

Match Schedule

There is not going to be a boat-measurement. Instead we declare to each other that we will use only legal sailing gear. We will do so over a beer/cocktail; under the Sun, close to the shore.

26 December 2013     Tune-up race. To get used to sailing in short pants at 30 degrees Celsius.

On each racing day the first start is at 10.30 hours. The course will be laid out so that we are back at about 16.00. The schedule is focused on sailing as well as on relaxing.

Social events

Sailing on Bonaire is located in Kralendijk at “Kas di Regatta”. The most of the 16,000 inhabitants live here. And here are also all parties and events that the population and guests organize around Christmas and New Year. There is certainly much to experience all around. Furthermore the following is planned:

Participation in all activities is included in the registration. This applies both for the sailors and their families.

After the official Regattas feel free to keep sailing till you have to leave the island.

The travel

There are frequent, maritime links, more times a week, between Europe, North-and South America to Curacao. There is daily container transport between Curacao and Bonaire. The containers arrive on Bonaire almost at the sailing location. So there is no need for additional local transportation.

Bonaire has its own international airport: Flamingo-Airport. There are daily direct connections with Amsterdam (KLM and Arkefly), in the weekends directly from Atlanta, Houston, Newark, New York and Miami). But it is also possible to fly daily via Curacao (Delta, United, SLM, Inselair and DAE). Tuesdays with Air Berlin from Dusseldorf. With a connecting flight.

The cost

The actual costs obvious depends on individual choices. For example:

–       Boat transport (Rotterdam – Bonaire-Rotterdam): approximately € 7,500,–per container à

€ 1.250,–per boat

–       Air travel in the holiday season (Amsterdam – Bonaire – Amsterdam): 1200 € per person

–    Air travel in the holiday season (Miami – Bonaire – Miami):$ 350,- per person

–       Stay (hotel costs, double room): from $ 35,- per night per person

–       Apartment (4 persons): $ 30,- per night per person

–       Food and restaurants: about 20% cheaper than in Europe, local food 50% cheaper.

Subscribe

To anyone who is interested, but  unsure whether the event is going to be a success, we have a special registration process. First we gauge how many people are interested. And then we start the official registration. Therefore: inscribe if you want to join the regatta. Do so before 31 January. After that we will publish the list of potential participants. If there is enough enthusiasm(don’t worry, enough sailors did promis to come), then we open the official registration. The registration is open from now to March 1, 2013. If you want to register, you will have to pay the entrance fee of € 125,– or $150,–. If there are not enough boats we will send the full entrance fee back. Registration after March 1^st will cost $ 50,– extra.

Rob Taal, FD AHO-3

Bonaire Map 2

NOTICE OF RACE FD Caribbean Championship 2013-97-2003

Entry Form Caribbean Championship 2-13