"We wanted to organise a race that was both challenging and easily accessible for everyone. And that you can take part in if you have the time, desire and crew," reports Otto le Grand. He came up with the idea for the regatta together with Berry Dijkhuizen. Both have been regatta sailors since childhood. So what could be more obvious than to come up with a new format themselves?
To keep things simple, sailing is organised according to manageable handicaps. There is an ORC class, one according to waterline length, one according to Texel rating for multihulls, and the flat-bottomed boats that are widespread in the Netherlands also have their own measurement. And that's it. The only thing that counts is the average speed, derived from the calculated time. "Then it doesn't matter if, for example, a tonne is misplaced during the course of the year," says le Grand. Whoever gets the most out of their boat over the course will come out on top. There are classifications for single- and double-handed and, of course, for yachts with a full crew. A line honours classification for the shortest time sailed is also planned.
Of course, the weather plays a significant role. If you catch the day with the right wind shifts, you can complete the whole round without a cross. Once you have registered, you have one year to start. The possible break of at least seven hours can be used as a tactical element. Despite the tracker on the smartphone, the organisers are relying on the honesty of the participants: "Of course, we don't have the opportunity to see whether an engine is running. But people who do that don't fit in with the idea of the regatta either," says le Grand confidently.
In the meantime, the two creators have come up with a little sister to the 75 miles: the 30 miles from the Markermeer. The rules are the same, except that there is no break.
Thanks to the uncomplicated requirements, the regatta is also open to charter crews. So if you want to spice up your holiday with a bit of sport, you can choose one of the rounds.
Further information on the Website of the event. Registration opens today, 1 March 2018.
