News

Over 140 participants in 'Aruba Rembrandt Regatta' 2010

The 'Aruba Rembrandt Regatta' which was sailed in Aruban waters during the weekend of August 14 and 15 has been a great success. With over 140 participants in several different disciplines, regatta organisor Eric Mijts looks back on a great weekend of sailing and events.

Participants from eight different countries have participated in the sailing races, among these races is the well known 'Around Aruba Race' which was sailed on Saturday. Hindered by unfavourable winds, the yachts took longer than usual to round the island. The winner - the Dash from Curacao, captained by Remco van Dortmondt, who would eventually win the Racing Class - finished after six hours and fourty minutes. The last yachts crossed the finish line around nine in the evening, after a battle against the currents and the waves of almost thirteen hours on the water. The other yachting categories were won by the Aruban yacht Screaming Eagle, captained by William van Ramshorst in the Cruising Class and the Eva Luna, captained by Eric Mijts in the Open Class.

The Beachcats and Sunfishes sailed five matches on Saturday and Sunday. Because of the variable winds the sailors had exciting races that demanded a lot of tactical skills. The Aruban sailors Rob Grijpma and Francis van Baaren beat the competition in the Beachcat devision, in the Sunfish Class the first prize was for Jurgen Schneider from Curacao.

The Saturday races for the windsurfers and kitesurfers were cancelled due to the lack of wind, but the Sunday competitions were a big hit. Participants and spectators enjoyed the kitesurfers speeding by during the long distance race and the spectacular stunts of the free style windsurf competition. Milan de Jonge and Ethan Westera, both from Aruba, Ethiene Soliano from Bonaire and Petr Pechacer from the Czech Republic were the winners in their competitions.

The swimming competition on Saturday drew 33 participants that swam distances of 1 and 2 kilometres at Eagle Beach. The start of this race coincided with the start of the Beach Party with a live performance by Earplugs where the sailors and swimmers shared their adventures of the day. On Sunday, after the regatta dinner at Cafe Rembrandt, all winners were called on stage to accept their cups and prizes.

From the official opening of the regatta by the minister of Public Health and Sports, Richard Visser, up to the awards ceremony, this year's regatta was bigger and better. The next 'Aruba Rembrandt Regatta' will be on August 14, 15 and 16, 2011. For more information, contact the regatta organization at eric@aruba-regatta.com