Monday 1 May 2017

Watch Out, We're Back

This year's fleet is made up of a selection of incredibly varied yachts. For example, we'll be able to see new entrants so fresh their paint's practically still wet (like the previously mentioned 34m Ribelle). These newbies are anxious to get on the start line and prove their regatta-winning potential. However, aside from newcomers, the line-up also sees a myriad of yachts that have served many years on the circuit and have proven blue water credentials. The 32m Frers designed Bolero competed for the last time in 2010. We're thrilled to be able to see her blue lines slice through the race course this year. We're also excited to see the 42m This is Us and her spirited crew return, this steadfast entrant competed in no less than three previous editions: 2011, 2012 and 2014. As the 2011 fleet boasted ten yachts graced with Andre Hoek's distinctly elegant lines this edition featured a dedicated Hoek Class, in which This is Us finished third.

Another former competitor and delicious example of Dutch boat-building expertise is the 46m Windrose of Amsterdam. This award-winning schooner has been out of the racing scene for a while; she competed for the last time in 2009. With her classic lines and the crew's sailing savvy she'll be amped to show her adversaries what she's made of. We can't wait.

The award-winning 46m schooner Windrose of Amsterdam. Photo by www.clairematches.com