724 pre-entries for Delta Lloyd 24-hour Yacht Race 2008

Weather forecast causes tactical challenges

The Dutch organisation of the 2008 Delta Lloyd 24-Hour Yacht Race received 724 pre-entries. The 44th edition of this annual sailing spectacle for yachts, multihulls and Dutch flatbottems commences on Friday evening August 29. It is about making the most possible nautical miles within a day. The area of the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, Wadden Sea and North Sea is divided into laps, of which each may be sailed twice. Reaching is the fastest course, so the competitors have to calculate their route according to the weather forecast. The strategy they come up with is also decisive for the start location. They have a choice out of sixteen places, whereas the massive finish will be off the coast of Medemblik. The forecast is a light and shifty breeze, which causes tactical challenges.

At the moment, it looks like the Delta Lloyd 24-Hour Yacht Race will start with a north-western to northern wind of about five knots. During the night the breeze is supposed to shift to the southeast and it will pick up to approximately eight knots. It will be slightly more windy in the north than in the south and the Dutch summer will finally return for a quick visit. “The tactics and strategy won’t be easy, due to the shifts”, predicts Dinand de Ridder, chairman of the organising committee. “It will be challenging though. Not only in terms of finding the right route, but also in trimming the boat for maximum speed in these light conditions. It is going to be an interesting 24-Hour Yacht Race.”

Many former winners

The largest part of the total fleet (more than 500 teams) participates in the recreational class. The one with the best ‘performance factor’, based on truly covered miles and theoretical possible distance according to the handicap, wins the Radboudbeker. In 2007, this price was awarded to skipper Blancquiere of the Black MagiX, who clocked 133,98 miles. He will be present to defend his performance. The remaining competitors (over 200) battle for the prizes in several race classes. Many former winners will line up this evening, such as Roy Heiner of Team Heiner III, Tim van Rootselaar of the Groote Beer, Wim van Rootselaar of the Daniëlle, Rob van den Boogaard with his Salty Cat 2, skipper Kruger of the Xee.U.Soon, skipper Schaik of the Spin, Harry Amsterdam with his Yacht Vision 34.7, Mark Eriks of the PhoeniX, skipper Hooning of the Orion, skipper Leeuwen of the Tacktick and Bart van Breeschoten onboard of his Mary Bryant.

About the Delta Lloyd 24-Hour Yacht Race

The Dutch Association of Coastal Sailors organises for the 44th time the Delta Lloyd 24-Hour Yacht Race. It is still a popular sailing event, due to the combination of navigational and yachting skills, sociability and survival. The fleet consists of recreational and racing classes. All teams have to cover as many nautical miles as possible within 24 hours. They are allowed to sail the laps on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, Wadden Sea and North Sea only twice. Besides seamanship and endurance of the whole crew, interpretation of the weather, sailing area and currents are essential for the final result as well.

In addition to Delta Lloyd, the 24-Hour Yacht Race is also sponsored by PWN Waterleidingbedrijf. Co-sponsors are: Zeilen, the city of Medemblik and Foundation Medemblik Harbour.