Dutch Rolex Commodores Cup Team Selected
by Maurice van der Heijden 10 Jun 2004 09:49 BST
25 July-1 August 2004
The HOD 35 'Daikin Airco' will be racing in the Dutch team for the 2004 Commodore's Cup © Richard de Jonge
Dutch Rolex Commodore's Cup Team Selected
The Dutch team challenging for the Rolex Commodores' Cup 2004 will be Daikin Airco, Checkmate 3 and Holmatro.
Today three boats announce their Dutch challenge for the prestigious Rolex Commodores' Cup to be sailed in the Solent waters near Cowes (UK). The Dutch small boat Daikin Airco - a HOD35 - owned by Frans van der Heijden together with middle boat Checkmate 3 - a BH41 - owned by Peter de Ridder and large boat Holmatro - a Grand Soleil 44 Race - of Hans Horrevoets will race the others nations this summer.
The Rolex Commodores' Cup is an international offshore regatta for teams of three boats. This bi-annual event to be sailed in the waters of Cowes, Isle of Wight (UK) is succesfully organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron with the support of event sponsor Rolex.
The Commodores' Cup is held to challenge nations with their best teams. Competing on different race courses, on the short intensive windward/leeward races as well on the exhaustive longer course and the famous channel race.
Daikin Airco:
Havoc Sailing Team is a proven winner racing their Daikin Airco in the the Dutch waters. Daikin Airco has succesfully started this season with 13 wins in the Dutch winterseries, a 1st overall in this year's RORC North Sea Race and winner of the ABN-AMRO North Sea Regatta Supercup for being the events overall top performing team.
Checkmate 3:
This much travelled BH 41 of Peter de Ridder has won many national and international titles in IMS. This will be the fourth time Checkmate 3 is representing the Dutch for the Commodores Cup. Last time they finished second with Salty Dog and Satori. Before travelling to Cowes she will compete for the IMS600 European Championship to be sailed 21st June - 26th June in Kiel (GER). Last year she came in second at the European Championships.
Holmatro:
Last year Holmatro made an impressive debut winning Cowes Week and the Fastnet Race. A team of young talented sailors supported by sponsor Holmatro Marine Hydraulics to gain experience in international regatta's on board of a professional yacht. The sponsor produces a complete series of rigging hydraulics, of wich Holmatro is fitted out with.