2001 Heineken Catamaran Aruba Regatta starts this weekend

Now in its 11th Year this year's event sees an every increasing number of top catamaran sailors from around Europe travelling to The Caribbean Island of Aruba to compete in this major open Catamaran regatta. With teams from Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany, France and the UK the event has a true international field.

Defending champion John Moret from Holland in a Tornado will be facing a strong challenge from the UK with a number of UK Tornado teams including William Sunnucks and Mark Self and the new Team of Richard Allen and James Hoad hoping to bring the trophy back to the UK for the 1st time. Also looking to improve on last years 2nd Place is Gerard Loos in a Hobie Tiger and Ashley and Julia Machin in a Hurricane 5.9 looking to improve on their 4th place in 2000.

The racing takes place over 8 days and is supported by a strong organisational team from Holland with the respected Race Officer from the Round Texel Race, Edwin Lodder running the on water activities and Ruud Reij the hectic social programme. With sponsorship from Heineken, Gant, Coca Cola, the Aruba Tourist Board, Hapag Lloyd and KLM the event is professionally run with everything laid on for the competitors who are lodged in The Aruba Holiday Inn.

Over 50 catamarans from a variety of manufacturers will be competing and full details and results can be found on www.onedesign-yachting.co.uk. Anyone interested in taking part in the 2002 event should contact Richard Allen at aruba@onedesign-yachting.co.uk for a colour brochure.