SCA_Archive

Oranjestad. – Aruba's first ever full scale regatta, the Aruba Rembrandt Regatta 2009, was held on August 15 & 16, 2009. The event was the sequel to the Aruba Yacht Race 2008 and the Round Trip Aruba for sailing yachts in five to six previous years. The Rembrandt Regatta was a full scale sailing event comprising sailing yachts, Sunfishes, Beach Catamarans and Windsurfers. On Saturday August 15 the Round Aruba Race for sailing yachts was held in both Cruising and Racing Classes. A record of 12 sailing yachts participated. The next day, Sunday August 16, the sailing yachts competed on several race courses along Aruba's southern coast. On this day also Sunfishes and Beach Catamarans competed at Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach, whereas the windsurfing races were held at Fishermen's Huts.

Sunfish Club Aruba organized a sailing trip for its members on sailing vessel “Monsoon” as to join the Round Aruba Race for sailing yachts on August 15, 2009. The

Monsoon is a huge sailing yacht which can easily carry 20 passengers, also see www.goldships.com. The Monsoon is usually anchored at Surfside, Oranjestad, and can be seen off of L.G. Smith Boulevard. The Monsoon could not participate officially in the race since it needs support of its engine to sail the though windward leg from Oranjestad to Seroe Colorado. However, the trip was still held for leisure and fun and to act as spectators on the water.

A total of 20 participants gathered as early at 5:30am on the beach near Fly & Dive at Surfside. Everyone fond a suitable place on deck, either at the stern or in the mid-ship deck cabin. Soon the anchor was lifted and the ship made its way out of the bay. Once at sea, the sails were hoisted and the ship made its way towards the starting area across the Renaissance helicopter platform yet staying outside of the Oranjestad harbor reef.

Meanwhile more and more yacht appeared on the scene. This sight was unprecedented for Aruban standards. In the end eleven yachts were sailing up and down the starting area. At 7:05am the start of the race for Cruising Class was signaled with Sagitarius taking the lead. Somewhat later, at 7:15am, the Racing Class took off with Tranquilo of Aruba and Team Ibis of Curaçao contending for the lead.

Meanwhile the Monsoon was already heading to windward out at sea across the airport albeit helped somewhat by her engine. The Sunfish sailors on board Monsoon could also see their honorable member Mr. Ernie Kervel and sons taking off in their 24-feet yacht Ocean 508 amidst the fleet. Going to Seroe Colorado the wind was light and the yachts had to stay as close as possible to the shore to avoid the current South of Aruba. On this stretch the crews had to work hard to tack the yachts against the wind continuously. However, the Italian cruising class entry “Supermario” (a Grand Soleil 52) started taking an impressive lead over the other ships without making any tacks until San Nicolas harbor.

By 10:00am the top of the fleet, including Monsoon, approached Seroe Colorado. The Monsoon was the 4^th or 5^th ship to round the impressive rock. Seas at Seroe Colorado were moderate for local conditions but the swell still caused some passengers to suffer from seasickness. By now Monsoon could turn off its engine and the passengers were in for the 2 hour downwind ride across Aruba's impressive northern shore. The view from sea was great as the ship traversed Boca Grandi, Grapefied, Rincon, Boca Prins, Dos Playa, Natural Pool, Boca Keto, Daimari, Noordkaap, Andicuri & Narural Bridge, Wariruri, Pos di Noord, Alto Vista Chappell and Seroe Tres Cabez before finally reaching Tierra del Sol and Westpunt.

Across Boca Prins, Tranquilo started over taking Monsoon. Tranquilo passed by at close distance with all sailors cheering. Once past, Tranquilo hoisted its spinnaker and was off into a high-speed down wind ride. On board Tranquilo sailors were highly concentrated to control the spinnaker at it requires continuous trimming by hand. When approaching Westpunt, Monsoon was closed in by Venus Callipige of Curaçao who was also sailing with a spinnaker downwind at huge speeds.

After rounding the Westpunt buoy, Monsoon continued across the hotels onto a reach to the buoy at Manchebo before returning to the starting area across Renaissance market place around 3:00pm. The 42 nautical mile trip had taken approximately 8 hours as expected. In the end the sailors disembarked and everyone was satisfied with a full day of sailing.

On Sunday August 16 Sunfish and Beach Cat races were held as part of the Aruba Rembrandt Regatta. This event was held at Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach, between the Occidental and Radisson hotels. A total of 8 Sunfishes and 4 Beach Cats participated. Winds were fine at 15 knots approximately. Most of the Beach Cats were already stationed at Aruba Watersports Center. The Sunfishes gathered at Fishermen's Huts at 9:00am as to sail to Aruba Watersports Center from there.

Around 10:00am the sailing yachts started appearing across Palm Beach. The yachts were onto an 18 nautical mile race taking them

from Oranjestad to Westpunt and back. The sight of approximately 14 sailing yachts contending across Palm Beach was tremendous.

The Sunfish and Beach Cat races were held on a triangular Olympic course. The starting line was about half a mile off shore out on the water. Both Sunfish and Beach Cat classes sailed on the same course with the Beach Cats starting 5 minutes ahead of the Sunfishes on each race. A total of three races were held in both Sunfishes and Beach Cat classes. Initially the race course comprised three windward legs for both Sunfish and Beach Cat. However, after the first race this was shortened to two windward legs for the Sunfishes. The races started around 11:15am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm respectively. The competition was intense but yet fun, especially in the Sunfish class with the sailors closing in on each other frequently.

Among participants there was one visitor from Curaçao, Mr. Russel Palm. Mr. Palm is affiliated with the Curaçao Sunfish Sailing Association (CSSA) and he enjoyed sailing the Aruban waters very much. Albeit that the Aruban Sunfish sailors can visit Curaçao once as part of a sailing exchange.

Some of the Sunfishes suffered severe damage throughout the day. The damage included a broken tiller extension bolt, broken tiller straps (rendering a rudder unusable), two loosened main sheet blocks (severely limiting the usage of the boom) and a broken halyard line (causing collapse of a sail). However, all damage was repaired on site thanks to fine sportsmanship so that the sailors could join subsequent races. At the end of the day, everyone was satisfied with a good day of sailing. You can see the racing results on the “Competition” page.

The Regatta closing event and prize ceremony was held in evening hours at Cafe Rembrandt. All Sunfish and Beach Cat sailors attended and mingled with the yacht sailors and windsurfers. It was a grand evening with Race Director Evert Bongers announcing the winners. Regatta General Coordinator Eric Mijts also shared his words with the participants. In the end Ernest (Erie) Kervel, being the eldest captain (at 78), was invited on stage to hand out the trophy for the Round Aruba Race in Racing Class. Marc Rooyakkers, being the youngest captain (at 16), was invited on stage to hand out the trophy for the Round Aruba Race in Cruising Class. On the whole, the Aruba Rembrandt Regatta 2009 was certainly a success and the word is that the preparations for 2010 are already underway!

San Nicolas. – Sunfish Club Aruba held the second series of the Aruban National Championship on Sunday June 28, 2009 at Rodgers Beach. Winds were strong at 6 Beaufort (21 to 25 knots) steady with occasional higher gusts. Participation numbered 5 Sunfishes.

Due to the strong winds the usual racing course at Rodgers Beach was shortened somewhat by eliminating the stretch out to the floating barrel in front of the bird reserve reef islands across the refinery installations. Still the course spanned the entire bay starting with a water start at the Rodgers Beach Eastern pier, formerly the pier and pavilion of the Aruba Yacht Club. From here the sailors sailed upwind to a buoy near the fishing boats and then downwind to the West end of the bay to a metal pole near the shore and then back again to windward mark. A race required two rounds along this course with the finish back on the starting line. A total of three races were held, starting at 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:30pm.

In the old Lago Colony days, the Aruba Yacht Club provided Sunday afternoon sailboat races at Rodger’s Beach. The club was housed in a small pavilion which resembled a well roofed-over porch and which is still on the beach today. There was also space to store the sails and a starting canon. After each race the sailors and their wives would gather here for drinks and to discuss the race. The beach east of the pavilion used to be populated with ten’s of Sailfishes and Sunfishes stored next to each other.

Back to today, competition was nice as the pack stayed quite close together with many shifts in positions during the races. Rodgers Beach’s waters were as beautiful as always. In the end, everyone was satisfied with a good day of sailing. You may see the results of the individual races on the ‘results page’ and the current standing of the Aruban Championship on the home page.

At the end of the day, whilst coming ashore one Sunfish sailor was overwhelmed by a large group of children who were just having a birthday party at the pavilion. The children just rushed aboard and somehow more and more of them kept coming. All children were jumping and yelling heavily out of excitement, and in the end they must have had a good time!

Oranjestad. – Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) held the first series of the Aruban National Sunfish Championship on May 17. A total of 5 participants presented. Winds were strong at 16 to 20 knots (5 Beaufort) setting the stage for some good competition.

The Aruban National Sunfish Championship spans a series of four racing days across the year. For 2009 these are: May 17, June 28, October 18 and December 6. Each racing day has three races, making it a total of 12 races for the Chamionship. Each sailor is entitled to deduct his/her 3 worst race results. The Championship is open to all members of Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) regardless of level of expertise. This makes the Championship also a fun experience, besides the competitive element.

The sailors gathered on Sunday morning around 10:00 am on the beach strip between Fly & Dive dive shop and the airport runway. Coincidentally, preparations were going on for the Soul Beach festival.

A total of 3 races were held. All races started on the water with a 5 minute countdown. The starting line was marked by the landfill behind the airport runway and the runway light pole in the water. From here the sailors headed into the lagoon along the airport runway until the “Tatoo” buoy between Renaissance Island and Bucuti Yacht Club. From here the sailors had to head back to the harbor entrance market at the Queen’s Wilhelmina Park and then windward around the anchored “Monsoon” sailing yacht in the bay. From here the sailors had to go back to the “Tatoo” buoy in the lagoon and then downwind again to the “Monsoon” and then windward again to the original starting line, now used as a finish line. This made it three windward legs during each race with the sailors scrambling against wind and waves.

Competition was tight throughout the races, with a close battle being fought for second and third place during the first race. These sailors finished with barely a few feet difference between the bows of the boats! Winds subdued somewhat at the start of the second race, only to pick up again towards the end. A beach catamaran visited the Sunfish sailors during the second race, as this catamaran is practicing for the upcoming “Round of Texel” race in The Netherlands in June. The third race was shortened somewhat due to fatigue of the sailors. In the end everyone was satisfied with a good day or racing. You can see the results on the “Results Page”.

Savaneta. – Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) and Aruba Beach Cats (ABC) made the annual sailing trip to the Marines Camp (Dutch: ‘Mariniers Kazerne’) Open Day on May 1, 2009. Participation numbered 4 Dart Catamarans departing from Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach; and 3 Sunfishes departing from Surfside. Weather conditions were favorable for Aruban standards providing good sailing conditions.

The Dart Catamarans left from Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach around 10:00am. Distance over water ranged 13 nautical miles to the Marines Camp. At Barcadera the Catamarans decided to exit the reef and to take the route over open sea to Savaneta. With wind speeds around 10 to 15 knots it took the Catamarans 2 hours effectively to the Marines Camp.

The Sunfishes departed from Surfside at 10:00am. Distance over water ranged 8 nautical miles to the Marines Camp. After an hour a pit stop was made at Barcadera Beach to enjoy some food and beverages. At Manglo Halto the Sunfishes crossed the submerged reef into open sea.

Soon the sailors entered Commanders Bay (Dutch” ‘Commandeursbaai’) between CB1 and CB2 markers across Brisas Del Mar. Sailing into the bay was nice as this was where Johan van Walbeeck landed in 1636 to conquer Aruba for the Dutch ‘West Indische Compagnie’ (WIC). At age 33, Van Walbeeck had already studied philosophy and mathematics in Leiden, been an admiral in Brazil and sailed around the globe as a navigator. To control Aruba the WIC appointed a Commander who lived here on the shore of the bay. The Commander led a small settlement consisting in 1701 of the Commander, two horseman and two soldiers. Aruba’s native population counted 100 Indians at most and settlement of colonists was prohibited until 1754. In 1780 the Commander finally moved to ‘Paardenbaai’ where Oranjestad emerged.

At the Marines Camp the sailors joined the crowd and had lunch. Meanwhile a halo formed around the sun. Both the Sunfishes and the Catamarans started the return trip at 2:00pm. Going downwind, speeds were enormous. The Sunfishes entered the reef at Manglo Halto whereas the Cats stayed outside of the reef until Barcadera harbor entrance. In the end, everyone was satisfied with a pleasant day of sailing.

Oranjestad. - Sunfish Club Aruba resumed its activities with competition races at Surfside on April 19, 2009. These were the first official races counting for the 2009 annual ranking list, so initial positions were up for grabs. Participation numbered six Sunfish sailors.

The sailors gathered on Sunday morning around 10:00 am on the beach strip next to Havana, Surfside. Two races were held in good sailing conditions. Winds were approximately 15 knots as the fleet started on the water just behind the start of the airport runway. From here the sailors headed into the lagoon along the airport runway until the “Tatoo” buoy between Renaissance Island and Bucuti Yacht Club. From here the sailors had to head back to the harbor entrance market at the Queen’s Wilhelmina Park and then upwind around an anchored sailing yacht in the bay. From here the sailors had to go back to the back to the “Tatoo” buoy in the lagoon and then back downwind to the finish line behind the start of the airport runway.

The two races were held in good fun with the sailors taking over each other regularly. This showed the increased level of competition in the class. You can see the results on the “Results Page”.

Palm Beach. – Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) received courtesy a visit of Mr. Felix Thijssen on March 1, 2009. Mr. Tijssen, now a tourist visiting Aruba, had sailed the Sailfish during his youth in Aruba in the early 1960’s.

Mr. Felix Thijssen was the son of the late notary Thijssen who used to live on L.G. Smith Boulevard next to the Talk of the Town Hotel (i.e. the former Strand Hotel). Notary Thijssen, also a sailor, had been instrumental for Sunfish Club Aruba as he legally formalized the establishment of the club in 1974.

About a year ago, Mr. Felix Thijssen’s sister, Mrs. Lies Thijssen, had also visited Sunfish Club Aruba at Fishermen’s Huts (see report June 8, 2008).

Mr. Felix Thijssen had actually sailed a lot with the Sailfish during his youth in Aruba before leaving for college in Canada. At that time sailing the Sailfish was popular at Surfside, Oranjestad. The Sailfish was the predecessor of the Sunfish. As far as known, there is currently only one Sailfish in Aruba which is still in good sailing condition.

Mr. Felix Thijssen, now on a holiday with his wife Barbara, could not resist the Aruban water and opted to rent a catamaran at Aruba Watersports Center! Sunfish Club Aruba whishes Mrs. Thijssen and his wife a pleasant holiday stay in Aruba!

7 December 2008 – Season closure: Richard van der Wal captures Aruban Championship!

Oranjestad. – Sunfish Club Aruba held the fourth and final series of the Aruban Championship on Sunday 7 December 2008 at Surfside. Participation was high at 11 Sunfishes and 2 Lasers. Weather conditions were bad as the sailors encountered rain followed by severely dropped winds. The races saw Richard van der Wal capturing the Aruban Championship for the 10^th time since 1996. A season’s closure social event with award ceremony was held the same evening.

The sailors gathered on Sunday morning around 10:00 am on the beach strip next to Havana, Surfside. A total of three races were held with the first one in fairly good conditions. Winds were approximately 15 knots as the fleet started on the water just behind the start of the airport runway. From here the sailors headed into the lagoon along the airport runway until the “Tatoo” buoy between Renaissance Island and Bucuti Yacht Club. From here the sailors headed back to the harbor entrance market at the Queen’s Wilhelmina Park and the upwind and downwind to and from the beach before finishing back at the starting line near the airport runway tip.

The second race started in rain and whereas winds were fairly strong at the start, they soon dropped after the rain. Consequently, the rest of the race and also the third race were sailed in very light winds. Competition was tough and since the fleet was relatively large numerous individual “battles” were fought over the course of the race. Reigning champion Richard van der Wal demonstrated his dominance over the class by winning two of the three races. However, individual differences between the top finishers were smaller than usual. This provided an indication that the overall skill level within the top of the class is increasing.

The same evening a season’s closure social event with award ceremony was held at Aqua Windies. SCA honorable member, Ernest Kervel, was also present at the ceremony. Richard van der Wal won the

championship for the 10^th time since 1996. The board of Sunfish Club Aruba congratulated van der Wal with this remarkable performance. Van der Wal received the traditional SCA rotating trophy being a neatly finished daggerboard with engraved plates of each year’s winner. Second this year was Robert-Jan Moons and third was Theo Poeiz.

The ranking list of the Sunfish Club was won this year by Robert-Jan Moons who manifested himself as the most consistent sailor, followed by Theo Poeiz (2^nd) and Richard van der Wal (3^rd). In addition to the championship, the ranking list also entailed the other friendly- and the long distance races. The “Wisselstrop” trophy (an encouragement prize) was allocated this year to the ladies duo of José Dassen and Jacoby Olree. The ladies joined late in the year but certainly made a strong impression!

Reflecting on the past year, everyone agreed that it had been an active one. A total of more than 20 sailors participated throughout the year. Besides the competition several sailing trips were also held this year, for example from Oranjestad to the Marines Camp (May 1^st) and a Moon Light sailing trip (April 19^th 2008). The most intense event of the year was undoubtedly the sailing trip from Oranjestad to De Palm Island March 2^nd. On this day winds reached over 25 knots and it took the sailors 2 hours to scramble to De Palm Island versus just 45 minutes on May 1^st in calm weather. Also by contrast, several races were held in extremely light weather such as on September 21^st.

The activities of Sunfish Club Aruba will be resumed in January 2009. Due to her great stability the Sunfish is very suitable for Aruba’s coastal waters. New members are more than welcome.

June 8, 2008 Long distance race

Oranjestad. - Sunfish Club Aruba held a long distance race on June 8^th, 2008. Total distance was 11 nautical miles mostly over a broad reach. The route extended from Fishermen’s Huts to Oranjestad harbor, then back to the Antilla wreck at Malmok and then back to Fishermen’s Huts. The wind speed prediction was 5 Beaufort and higher. Participation numbered 8 Sunfishes. The long distance race was also to count for the 2008 Ranking List.

The race started at 10:30am. A Boston Whaler motor craft accompanied the fleet for safety reasons. The race was actually a try-out to experiment with Sunfish long distance racing. Soon the start was signaled. The race began with a very small downwind and upwind leg at Fishermen’s Huts to get the event going. Some sailors got entangled at the windward mark causing the fleet to scatter early. However, soon everyone headed South along Palm Beach and taking a broad reach as the wind was Easterly. The right sailing technique here was to let the sail out as far as it would go without luffing and to pull up the daggerboard as far as possible without allowing the boat to slide leeway (i.e. “crabbing”). The optimal trim resulted in reduced rudder pressure and enormous boat speeds. Obviously, speed was an important factor to win this race.

After Palm Beach, Punta Brabo (Aruba’s most Western cape at the Manchebo Beach Hotel) came into sight. With the wind busting out in strong gusts most of the Sunfishes jumped on a plane; i.e. instead of pushing through the water, the boats would lift up over the surface and skip along it like a flat rock skimmed across the water. Planing generally makes the Sunfish go twice as fast as normal. Obviously, staying on the plane required not only constant wind speed but also utmost concentration of the sailors especially when planing for several consecutive minutes!

At Punta Brabo currents and waves were mixing from three directions as usual. Heading from here to Oranjestad harbor required adjusting course and sailing sharply to windward. The sailors who had crossed Punta Brabo very close to the beach now had the advantage of being on the windward side of the track. This meant being well poised to make it to the Oranjestad harbor turning point without tacking. On this stretch the waves were coming from upfront, pushing back the boats and causing the Sunfishes to pound their way through the waves.

The turning point was marked by the first yellow light buoy of the Oranjestad harbor channel across the Divi Dutch Village Hotel. After rounding the buoy the sailors headed downwind back to Punta Brabo and from here on a broad reach all the way to the Antilla wreck at Malmok. The turning point at the Antilla was the new red buoy marking the wreck. From here the Sunfishes headed back to Fishermen’s Huts only to finish after 1:30 to 2:00 hours of intense racing.

Several sailors suffered severe damage throughout the day. One Sunfish suffered damage and came ashore at the Hyatt Hotel to abandon the race. Another Sunfish with two junior sailors unfortunately suffered severe damage at Eagle beach whilst being well poised in fourth position. On the return trip their sail top started tearing off with the gaff collapsing. They were quickly assisted by the Boston Whaler motor craft and towed back to Fishermen Hut’s. Yet another Sunfish sailor saw his mainsheet getting loose at the Antilla wreck. Taking the time to retighten the mainsheet caused him a serious set back but in the end he still terminated the race. By 1:00pm the long distance race was over leaving everyone exhausted. However, all sailors agreed that the race had been a tremendous experience and that it certainly is an event worthwhile repeating.

Whilst wrapping up their gear the sailors were approached by a tourist lady who put forward some questions about Sunfish sailing in Aruba. Soon it became clear that the lady was Mrs. Lies Thijssen who had sailed with Sunfish Club Aruba as a child in the early 1960’s. Mrs. Thijssen was the daughter of the late notary Thijssen who used to live on L.G. Smith Boulevard next to the Talk of the Town Hotel (i.e. the former Strand Hotel). Notary Thijssen, also a sailor, had been instrumental for Sunfish Club Aruba as he legally formalized the establishment of the club. Mrs. Thijssen had actually sailed a lot with both the Sailfish and the Sunfish during her youth in Aruba before leaving for college in Canada. Sunfish Club Aruba whishes Mrs. Thijssen a pleasant holiday stay in Aruba!

May 18, 2008 Aruban Championship series

Oranjestad. - Sunfish Club Aruba held the second series of the Aruban Championship on May 18, 2008. Participation numbered 7 Sunfishes despite several frequent sailors being abroad. Weather forecasts predicted wind speeds between 15 and 20 knots with moderate wave height, setting the stage for a good day of sailing. At total of three races were held all counting for the Championship and the 2008 Ranking List.

This time the Championship racing series were held at Surfside (i.e. “Paardenbaai”) with sailors gathering on the beach near the Surfside Marina around 10:00 am. Coincidentally a miniature sailing boat race was going on as well.

The racing course started with a ‘Le Mans’ beach start and out to the metal sea pole marking the reef across the Surfside Marina. Rounding the metal pole at starboard tack, the sailors then were to enter the first windward leg back to a buoy near the shore at the Naphthali E. Henriquez park. From here the sailors were to sail downwind to a second metal sea pole a bit further to the West of the one mentioned above. Rounding this pole would require a gibe maneuver from most sailors. From here the sailors were to enter the second windward leg back to the buoy near the shore and then out again to the first pole mentioned above. From here the third and final windward leg would lead back to the buoy near the shore also marking the finish. Typically the course would take 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Soon the race coordinators signaled the start with the sailors rushing out to the first mark. At the first mark the pack was still close together but fortunately no one capsized. Once into the windward leg the sailors focused on getting their boats into the groove. The groove is the right combination between sailing as close to the wind as possible and cracking off a few degrees from that position to gain a little extra speed. Obviously, this is easier said than done with wind gusts of up to 20 knots. Wind shifts added to tactical complexity with the sailors trying to make the right decisions. Going downwind some of the ‘downwind specialists’ gained extra speed to make up for lost mileage during the windward leg. On the whole competition was continuously fierce throughout the race and both in the front and at the back of the fleet. In the end all sailors completed the race successfully.

The second race was marked by great performance of the youth team consisting of two junior sailors on a single Sunfish. The team demonstrated remarkable coordination with one sailor at the helm and the other on the mainsheet. In the end, they finished third receiving applause and encouragement from all spectators.

During the third race, reigning Champion Richard van der Wal clearly demonstrated his supremacy over the class. Shortly after the start, van der Wal suffered rudder problems forcing him to come to a complete standstill. As the fleet pressed on, van der Wal drifted off steerless while trying to repair the problem on the water. The fleet rounded the first mark and many sailors assumed that van der Wal was about to abandon the race. However, eventually the rudder problems were resolved. Van der Wal, now trailing behind in last position, embarked on strong pursuit to pass the other sailors. In the end, he managed to over take the front runners just before the finish and still win the race!

At the end of the day everyone was exhausted and satisfied with a good day of sailing and competition fun. You may see the results on the Competition page. The next series of the Aruban Championship will be held on 19 October 2008 at Rodger’s Beach. The Aruban Championship comprises four racing days spread over the year and each at different locations.

INDEX

Previous Events 2008

Sailing Yachts race
2008 Long distance race
2008 Championship Series
Sailing to the Marines Camp
Moonlight Sailing
Aruban Championship
Competition March 18, 2008
Family day march 02, 2008

Archived Events

(2007 and before)

Oranjestad. - Sunfish Club Aruba held a long distance race on Sunday 9 November 2008. Participation numbered 6 Sunfishes and 4 catamarans (all Dart 18). Weather conditions were light making the race somewhat less spectacular as the previous long distance race on 8 June 2008. However, the race was very much exciting due to the frequent wind shifts and the though competition. Total distance was 11 nautical miles (approximately 20 kilometers) from Fishermen’s Huts to Oranjestad harbor, then back to the Antilla wreck at Malmok and then back to Fishermen’s Huts.

The race started with the Sunfishes departing at 11:00am. The course started with a downwind and windward leg from the Fishermen Hut’s beach to a mark one nautical mile offshore, back and downwind again to the mark before departing on a broad reach towards Oranjestad. Shortly after the start one of the Sunfishes suffered from damage with the mast breaking in two. This Sunfish was towed to shore by a Boston Whaler motor craft accompanying the fleet for safety reasons. The lady sailor later boarded the Sunfish of another lady making this a full female team. Wind conditions were light with winds of 10 knots at most. At Punta Brabo across the Manchebo Beach Hotel the wind dropped completely forcing the Sunfish fleet to come to a complete standstill. The wind picked up after Punta Brabo as the Sunfishes headed windward towards the turning mark, being the yellow harbor buoy across Superfood Supermarket.

The catamarans departed an hour later than the Sunfishes. Generally the catamaran is twice as fast as the Sunfish, and the catamaran fleet started overtaking the Sunfishes just after Punta Brabo. This part of the race provided the nicest scenic views with all

catamarans and Sunfishes jointly tacking upwind in sight of Oranjestad Harbour. In addition, Venezuela’s Santa Ana mountain with its characteristic round top could clearly be seen at the horizon. Soon the catamarans rounded the turning mark, leaving the Sunfishes behind as they embarked on the way back.

Soon the Sunfishes also rounded the mark and headed back downwind to Punta Brabo and then onto Malmok. On this stretch wind shifts were numerous with the sailors continuously trimming their sheets. After rounding the buoy of the Antilla wreck the sailors headed back to Fishermen Huts to finish after a last windward leg from the buoy one mile offshore to the beach. On the whole, the course took the Sunfishes about 3:00 to 3:30 hours to complete. This was approximately twice as long as the long distance race on 8 June 2008. The catamarans completed the course in 2:30 to 3:00 hours and finished all ahead of the Sunfishes. In the end, everyone was satisfied with a good day of sailing.

Oranjestad. – Sunfish Club Aruba held the third series of the Aruban Championship on Sunday 19 October in near perfect weather conditions. Participation numbered 6 Sunfishes and the races were held at Rodger’s Beach.

The racing course spanned the entire bay starting with a water start at the Rodgers Beach Eastern pier, formerly the pier of the Aruba Yacht Club. Form here the sailors sailed upwind to a buoy near the fishing boats and then downwind to the West end of the bay, and then back again. The wind speed was about 15 knots setting the stage for a superb day of sailing.

A total of three races were held, starting at 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:30pm. Competition was tough as all races counted for the Aruban championship. On the whole, the pack stayed quite close together with many shifts in positions during the races. In the end, everyone was satisfied with a good day of sailing. You may see the results of the individual races on the ‘results page’ and the current standing of the Aruban Championship on the home page.

Palm Beach – Sunfish Club Aruba held a competition day in cooperation with Aruba Watersports Center (www.arubawatersportscenter.com) on Sunday, September, 2008. Participation numbered five Sunfishes, one Laser and four catamarans (i.e. three Dart 18’s and one Prindle 16). Wind conditions were extremely light for Aruban standards turning the races into a contest of pure technique.

The skipper’s meeting was held at 10:00 a.m. at Aruba Watersports Center premises. The wind, if any, was southerly making the course direction quite unusual for Aruban standards. The course was actually somewhat a catamaran course with a scoring gate functioning as starting line. From the scoring gate (across the Occidental Hotel) the boats were to sail upwind to the windward mark across the Westin Hotel. From here the boats were to sail downwind back to the scoring gate, rounding the gate over any side of preference. All boats were to start simultaneously. The Sunfishes and Laser had to complete two rounds on his course whereas the catamarans were to complete three rounds.

Preparations for the first race began with all sailors drifting out to the starting area in winds of 0 to 5 knots. The start procedure was professionally executed by the staff of Aruba Watersports Center. Flag signals were given at 5, 4, 2 and 1 minute to start. With the minutes counting down al sailors scrambled to take optimal position for the start despite any wind power. As the start was signaled all boats approached the line. Some boats opted to take the (shorter) starboard tack only to tack to port side as they encountered the entire fleet approaching them. The windward leg now became a battle of technique as the wind sometimes dropped to 1 to 2 knots or lower. Despite these “doldrum” conditions some sailors made remarkable headway and taking a clear lead in the field. One technique deployed successfully was to lean forward on the Sunfish as much as possible as to keep the tail out of the water. Obviously, the lighter sailors had an advantage in these conditions. In the end, the “light wind” experts captured a clear win.

The second race was marked by somewhat more wind (5 to 10 knots). This offered somewhat more dynamic circumstances to the sailors. However, wind shifts were huge and even turned the windward leg into a broad reach during the race. The Sunfish and Laser pack stayed very close together during the entire race, making it a game of challenge and pursuit. Two senior competitors even engaged in a tactical battle at the start of the final windward leg, leading them to drift off of the optimal track. Other sailors, just behind them, benefited hereof and finished earlier. However, it was clear that the racing challenge was more important than the final result. The catamarans also had a tough race, especially with two of the Darts engaging in close pursuit.

After two races the sailors called it a day. By now the skies were turning cloudy and everyone had had its fair share of light wind racing. You may see the results on the ‘Results’ page!

Oranjestad. - Sunfish Club Aruba resumed its activities after the summer holiday with competition races at Surfside on August 31, 2008. The races had actually been postponed a week due to lack of wind on August 24. Participation numbered 6 Sunfishes. At 5 to 12 knots, wind conditions were light for Aruba standards. This posed a new challenge for the sailors as excellent skill and sailing technique was required to extract energy from the lightest wind puffs.

A total of three races were held, starting at 11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm. The race course started with a water start off the pier of the “Pincho’s” bar. From here the sailors had to sail into the lagoon across the airport runway until the mooring buoy of the Tattoo across Renaissance Island. From here the sailors headed downwind to the harbor entrance pole close to the Queen’s Wilhelmina Park. From here the sailors headed back to the airport run way light poles, and then back to the finish line at “Pincho’s”. Competition was tough as the fleet stayed close together, only to disperse in the downwind leg. The day was marked by numerous wind shifts. The initial upwind leg even became a broad reach course in the third race!

The second race saw the participation of Mr. Ernest ‘Ernie’ Kervel, Honorable member of Sunfish Club Aruba. At age 80 Kervel demonstrated remarkable skill in difficult light wind conditions. Kervel made an excellent start by crossing the start line second, only then to proceed upwind in third position. In the lagoon across the airport runway Kervel closed in steadily on the front runners. When he was about to overtake them he capsized unfortunately only then to regain fourth position. Kervel maintained fourth position going downwind but suffered severe sail damage in the final leg. With the finish in sight he was unfortunately forced to abandon the race. Still it remained an impressive performance.

At the end of the day everyone was satisfied with a good day of challenging sailing condition. Above all, Ernie Kervel showed that he was still as enthusiastic about sailing as ever. Kervel even talked about his long time Sunfish Class buddies who are currently making an appeal to the International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) for increasing the age limit of the current Sunfish Master’s category to over 80 years!

On Sunday, 6 July 2008, the Aruba-race for sailing yachts will take place. Aproximatelt 10 yachts have already registered for the race, of which several yachts from Curaçao. Besides the annual ‘Roundrip Aruba’ for sailing yachts, Aruba now has a second event for larger sailing yachts.

The race will start at the Eastern Oranjestad harbor entrance accross the Surfside Marina at 11:00 a.m. A good view on this can be obtained from the Wilhelmina Park. From the start the yachts will sail to a buoy at Barcadera and then on to Arashi. After several other buoys in front of the hotels, the yachts will finish across Manchebo Beach Resort around 3:30 p.m.

The captain’s meeting will be held on Saturday July 5 at 5:00 p.m. and the prize ceremony will be held on Sunday July 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bucuti Yacht Club Aruba.

On Saturday June 21, 2008 Sunfish Club Aruba will host a film evening for sailors. The evening will comprise a presentation of sailing instructions and Sunfish racing rules. The evening will also comprise a film about the North Sea Regatta in Scheveningen (NL) with spectacular racing action of sailing yachts, catamarans and Lasers in conditions of 6 to 7 Beaufort. The sailing instruction and film evening will be held at Aqua Windies, Dr. Horacio Oduber Blvd 4 (i.e. Aqua Windies is on the same road and 200 meters beyond the hospital). The evening is open to the public and entrance is free. You may join either at 19:30 for the sailing instructions or at 21:15 for the film. If you are interested in the sailing sport you are most welcome to attend!

Savaneta. – Sunfish Club Aruba held its annual sailing trip to the Marines Camp (Dutch: ‘Mariniers Kazerne’) Open Day on May 1, 2008. Participation numbered 3 Catamarans departing from Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach; and 4 Sunfishes departing from Surfside. Weather conditions were light for Aruban standards providing the sailors a nice change over the fierce winds of the past sailing events.

The Catamarans left from Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach as early as 7:15am expecting it to be a long day. Distance over water ranged 13 nautical miles to the Marines Camp. However, with wind speeds around 10 knots, weather conditions soon proved light and favorable taking the Catamarans windward to the Marines Camp in ample 2 hours effectively.

The Sunfishes departed from Surfside at 9:15am. Distance over water ranged 8 nautical miles to the Marines Camp. Winds in the lagoon across the airport runway were light and with the water flat, sailing upwind was very comfortable. After an hour a pit stop was made at Barcadera Beach to enjoy some food and beverages. Soon the trip resumed with the sailors crossing Nautical Club.

At Manglo Halto the Sunfishes crossed the submerged reef into the open sea. Coincidentally a sailing yacht was just crossing the reef as well. The ocean swell was light with waves of 3 feet at most. The fleet traversed Manglo Halto, Isla di Oro and Santo Largo subsequently. At this point sailing was spectacular especially over starboard tack with land in full sight. From outer sea the panoramic view of Jamanota peak and Savaneta tank was great. A Boston Whaler motor craft accompanied the Sunfishes on the final stretch over open sea.

Soon the sailors entered Commanders Bay (Dutch” ‘Commandeursbaai’). Sailing into the bay was nice as this was where Johan van Walbeeck landed in 1636 to conquer Aruba for the Dutch ‘West Indische Compagnie’ (WIC). At age 33, Van Walbeeck had already studied philosophy and mathematics in Leiden, been an admiral in Brazil and sailed around the globe as a navigator. To control Aruba the WIC appointed a Commander who lived here on the shore of the bay. The Commander led a small settlement consisting in 1701 of the Commander, two horseman and two soldiers. Aruba’s native population counted 100 Indians at most and settlement of colonists was prohibited until 1754. In 1780 the Commander finally moved to ‘Paardenbaai’ where Oranjestad emerged.

Once into the bay, the Sunfishes headed for the Marines Camp where a helicopter demonstration over sea was just ongoing. With the natural wind dropping the helicopter tailwinds provided the final breeze to complete a superb sailing trip. Effective sailing time for the Sunfishes was 2 hours and 10 minutes.

At the Marines Camp the sailors joined the crowd and had lunch. The Catamarans started the return trip at 1:00pm whilst the Sunfishes left at 2:00pm. Soon the sailors exited Commanders Bay across ‘Brisas del Mar’ and out into the open sea. Going downwind, wind conditions and ocean swells were still light making sailing very comfortable. With the ocean calm, both the Catamarans and the Sunfishes could not resist passing the Manglo Halto entrance and staying outside of the reef until Barcadera harbor entrance. With the waves coming from behind the sailors enjoyed the surf. Tourists cheered from the back side of De Palm Island as the Sunfishes passed by. At Barcadera the sailors entered the lagoon for the final stretch back to Palm Beach and Surfside.

Effective sailing time on the return trip was 1 hour and 30 minutes for the Catamarans back to Palm Beach and 1 hour and 10 minutes for the Sunfishes back to Surfside. In the end, everyone was satisfied with a pleasant day of sailing.

Oranjestad. – Sunfish Club Aruba held its annual Moonlight sailing trip and the first racing series of the Aruban Championship on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April 2008 respectively. Participation was high and numbered 11 boats for the moonlight sailing on Saturday evening and 17 boats for the competition on Sunday.

Sailing activity started on Saturday around 3:00pm with the first group of 3 Sunfishes and 3 Lasers leaving from Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach to Havana, Surfside. Total distance over water ranged 6 nautical miles. Coming around the corner of Tamarijn Hotel and the Dutch Village, the sailors faced roaring winds and currents as the boats paced upwind. However, along Oranjestad harbor the winds dropped and shifted due to the ships docked. To avoid this, two Lasers preferred the route over open water outside of the harbor reef. In the end, the group made it to Havana effectively in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The second group of sailors joined at Havana, Surfside, around 7:00pm making it a total of 11 boats for the moonlight sailing trip: 8 Sunfishes and 3 Lasers. In addition, a Boston Whaler motor craft accompanied the fleet for safety reasons. With the moon on the rise, all sailors prepared their boats and set their phosphor break-lights in the mast tops. The fleet set sail out into the dark at 20:30pm. With the full moon over the water sailing was spectacular. The light was so bright that at times the sailors could see the sea bottom below their boats. In addition, from the water Oranjestad, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach looked brilliant by night. Going downwind, boat speeds were high but the fleet stayed together and regrouped periodically. The fleet made it to Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach in effectively little more than an hour. In the end, it was an awesome experience.

On Sunday 20 April 2008 Sunfish Club Aruba held the first racing series of the Aruban Sunfish Championship. Expectations ran high as nine-time champion, Richard van der Wal, is to contest for his tenth title this year. If he manages to pull this off, the achievement will be unprecedented in the history of the Sunfish Club Aruba.

This time the racing series were held at Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach in front of the high-rise hotels. The Laser fleet joined the same races making it a total of 17 boats appearing at the starting line: 11 Sunfishes and 6 Lasers. Obviously, only the Sunfish results were to count for the Aruban Sunfish Championship. However, as of this year the Lasers will join the Ranking List of Sunfish Club Aruba with no handicap taken into account. Reasoning is it that although the Laser is a faster boat by design, it requires more skill to handle in Aruba’s coastal waters. Experience has shown that the boats are more or less equally competitive although the Sunfishes still win from the Lasers!

The racing series comprised three races on a classical Olympic course with the starting line about one nautical mile off-shore and the windward mark just 100 meters off the beach. Ocean swells were light and the water was crystal blue as ever. Soon all boats flocked around the starting area awaiting the ‘five minute to start’ flag to be raised on the starting boat. Then, with the flag up and the minutes counting down all sailors scrambled to take optimal position over starboard tack. More flag signals followed at four minutes and one minute to start. Wind speeds measured 16 knots with gusts up to 20 knots as the final starting flag went down and the boats crossed the starting line. Soon all sailors were battling heavily to windward as the pack started to disperse. For spectators on the water and on the beach this provided a spectacular line of boats in pursuit of each other. Racing tactics came into play as some sailors tacked early to favor the winds on the other side of the course.

After the windward mark the sailors were to round the gibe mark in the West. Many a sailor capsized during the gibe maneuver with winds of up to 20 knots blowing from behind! From here the boats were on to the original starting buoy and into the second windward leg. After this leg the boats followed a straight downwind course and then into a third windward leg to the upwind mark also defining the finish. Typically, it took the sailors about 45 minutes to complete the racing course.

Some boats suffered severe damage during the day such as breaking gaff poles but these sailors were quickly assisted by the race coordinators. After two races the Lasers called it a day but the Sunfishes went on to complete a third race for the Championship series. In the end all sailors were exhausted and satisfied with a full day of sailing. You may visit the ‘competition’ page to see the results. In addition, you may visit the ‘Pictures’ page to see fabulous pictures of the racing action!

San Nicolas. - Sunfish Club Aruba held it traditional 18 March competition day on Aruba’s National Day of the Flag and the National Anthem. Participation numbered seven Sunfishes and one Laser. In addition, two leisure windsurfers accompanied the fleet. Expectations ran high as this was the first official competition day of the year and the sailors were to contest for an initial place on the annual ranking list.

The venue of the competition was Rodger’s Beach, Aruba’s most beautiful dinghy sailing location. Wind predictions ranged 15 to 20 knots (5 Beaufort) driven by a high air pressure system over the North Eastern Caribbean. Wave height was moderate at 1 to 2 feet due to the protective nature of the bay, providing superb sailing conditions.

The day consisted of three races in a row following a sailing course where all familiar sailing techniques had to be applied in order reach the finish line, i.e.:

Three races starting at 11:00am, 12:00 and 01:00pm subsequently. At the start of the first race the boats rushed out to the first mark with all sailors contending heavily for a place at the front of the pack. Minor collisions and scratches were numerous as the sailors closed in on the first mark. A sailor or two capsized but these sailors quickly regained control of their boats and continued the pursuit. Eventually all sailors but one finished. This Sunfish encountered rudder problems but made it to the shore safely.

During the second and the third race wind speeds increased to 20 to 25 knots (6 Beaufort) with the Sunfishes often sailing at brink of capsizing. One Sunfish unfortunately capsized during a gibe maneuver upon returning to the fist mark. Its sail scratched the metal pole of the mark causing severe damage. The sail was lowered on the water and tied to the boat. Another Sunfish provided towing assistance. However, instead of sailing back to the beach, the duo still completed the rest of the racing course in towing modus!

On Sunday March 2, 2008 the Sunfish Club Aruba held its annual Family Day. The day comprised a sailing trip from Surfside to De Palm Island and back, with an afternoon stay over on de Palm Island together with family and friends. The distance over water from Surfside to De Palm Island ranged 6 nautical miles.

Participation this year numbered six Sunfishes, two Catamarans and one windsurfer. Wind predictions ranged around 15 knots indicating steady but favorable winds for a good day of sailing. The Sunfishes departed from Surfside at 10:00am. Entering the lagoon wind speeds increased. Just across Renaissance Island one Sunfish suffered severe damage with the gaff (i.e. the upper pole spanning the sail) breaking in two pieces and the sail collapsing. The other Sunfishes immediately halted the trip in order to provide assistance. The Sunfish with broken sail was towed to the shore near the airport runway. The boat was stored temporarily in the mangroves and the sailor boarded another Sunfish. Other sailors took the opportunity to do some intermediate repairs and the trip resumed in an hour.

The Catamarans and the windsurfer departed from Aruba Watersports Center, Palm Beach, at 10:00am. Around 11:00am they started overtaking the Sunfishes across Bucuti Yacht Club. Meanwhile wind speeds in the lagoon increased to 25 knots (6 Beaufort) steady with higher gusts. By now all Sunfishes were battling heavily to windward with the sailors pushing to keep their boats flat. In addition, wave height increased upon reaching Barcadera harbor entrance with ocean swells rolling into the lagoon. This caused increasing difficulty for the Catamarans to tack. Soon one Catamaran suffered damage with the jib (i.e. the front sail) becoming unusable and the main sail starting to tear. The Catamaran eventually landed at the white-sand beach just north of Barcadera harbor and the crew traveled to De Palm Island over land. The windsurfer was holding out strong but needed frequent tacks to keep away from the shore line. The sailing fleet encountered numerous kite surfers on the final stretch to De Palm Island. In the end, all remaining sailors reached De Palm Island with effective sailing time of 2 hours for the Sunfishes and 2 hours for the Catamaran and Windsurfer.

The afternoon was pleasant with friends and family joining at De Palm Island for buffet lunch. Everyone enjoyed the food, beverages and the relaxed atmosphere. Attendance numbered a total of 26 persons including the sailors.

At the end of the afternoon the fleet made the return trip. Boat speeds were enormous as the sailors headed downwind. An intermediate stop was made at the Barcadera beach where the parked Catamaran resumed the trip on the jib only. A second stop was made at the airport runway to retrieve the stored Sunfish with the broken sail pole. This Sunfish was towed back to Surfside where the Sunfishes culminated their trip. The Catamaran and the windsurfer proceeded back to Aruba Watersports Center. On the return trip effective sailing time was 22 minutes for the Sunfishes back to Surfside and 40 minutes for the Catamaran back to Palm Beach.

All participants enjoyed a good day of sailing and returned home happily. The Sunfish is 14 feet sailing boat with great stability. To this extent the Sunfish is ideal for Aruba’s coastal waters.

Oranjestad. – Onlangs won Richard van der Wal het Arubaanse Sunfish Kampioenschap 2007. Het kampioenschap omvatte een serie wedstrijden die werden gehouden te Surfside, Rodger’s Beach en Fishermen’s Huts. Van der Wal won het kampioenschap voor de negende maal sinds 1996 en haalde hierbij de wind uit de zeilen van Emile Westrate (2^e) en Martin van der Velden (3^e). Gedurende een afsluitend dinner bij Brisas del Mar feliciteerde het bestuur van de Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) van der Wal met deze prestatie.

Het algemeen klassement van de Sunfish Club werd dit jaar wederom gewonnen door Martin van der Velden die zich manifesteerde als meest consistente zeiler. In het algemeen klassement tellen naast het kampioenschap ook diverse vriendschappelijke wedstrijden mee. Het deelnemersveld bestond dit jaar uit tien boten.

Een hoogtepunt dit jaar was de deelname van drie Sunfishes aan het Rondje Aruba voor zeiljachten op 15 September 2007. Op de bijgevoegde foto die werd genomen door een toeschouwer op de wal is het Sunfish trio te zien gedurende de ronding van Punta Basora (red: de meest Oostelijke punt van Seroe Colorado). Richard van der Wal legde het Rondje Aruba op deze dag bij goede omstandigheden in een recordtijd 9:30 uur af.

De activiteiten van de Sunfish Club Aruba worden in januari 2008 hervat. De Sunfish is een één persoons open zeilboot van 5 meter die bij uitstek geschikt is voor de Arubaanse kustwateren. Voor meer informatie kunnen zowel beginners als ervaren zeilers contact opnemen met 736-7198.

Oranjestad. – Recientemente Sr. Richard van der Wal a gana e campeonato di Sunfish Arubano 2007. E campeonato tabata ensera un serie di caredanan na Surfside, Rodger’s Beach y Fishermen’s Huts. Sr. Richard Van der Wal a gana e campeonato sigui pa Sr. Emile Westrate (segundo lugar) y Sr. Martin van der Velden (trecer lugar). Sr. Van der Wal a gana e compeonato pa e di nuebe biaha desde 1996. Durante un anochi di clausura na Brisas Del Mar e directiva di e Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) a felicita Sr. Van der Wal pa cu e logro deportivo aki.

E clasemento general di e Sunfish Club e aña aki a wordo gana door di Sr. Martin van der Velden cu a manifesta su mes como e coredor di mas consitente. E clasemento general ta ensera ambos e campeonato y otro caredanan amical. E aña aki tabata tin participacion di diez boto di Sunfish.

Un otro logro e aña aki tabata e participacion di tres Sunfish den Aruba ‘rond e isla’ pa velero riba dia 15 di September 2007. Riba e portret ahunto por mira e trio di Sunfish traversando Punta Basora (red: e punta di mas pariba di Seroe Colorado). Riba e dia aki sr. Richard van der Wal den su Sunfish a pasa rond di e isla den un tempo record di 9:30 ora.

E actividadnan di e Sunfish Club Aruba lo wordo resumi den Januari 2008. Un Sunfish ta un boto di bela di 5 meter largura pa solamente un persona. Un Sunfish ta un boto hopi stabil y pesei e ta ideal pa e lamar costal di Aruba. Pa mas informacion por tuma contacto cu 736-7198.

Oranjestad. - Het Rondje Aruba voor zeilachten op zaterdag 15 September is succesvol verlopen. Het deelnemersveld was groter dan vorig jaar en bestond uit zeven zeiljachten, drie Sunfishes en een motorjacht.

Dit jaar voltooiden alle deelnemende jachten het Rondje Aruba, te weten: Tranquillo, Eva Luna, Teishi, Pionier, Sagitarius, Andante en Cruzancat. De spits werd 'sochtends afgebeten door de kleinere jachten Pionier en Sagitarius die al om 06:00 uitvoeren. Tegen 07:00 volgden Eva Luna, Andante, Teishi en de catamaran Cruzancat. Op het traject naar Seroe Colorado was de wind matig en moesten de jachten zo dicht mogelijk onder de kust varen om de stroming ten zuiden van Aruba te mijden. De crews moesten hier de nodige arbeid leveren voor het opkruisen van de zeiljachten. De meeste jachten hadden uiteindelijk zo’n vijf uur nodig om Seroe Colorado te bereiken. De vaaromstandigheden bij Seroe Colorado, het meest kritieke punt op de route, waren dit jaar gunstig waardoor de crews niet of nauwelijks zeeziek werden.

Na de ronding van Seroe Colorado ging het een stuk sneller en hadden de meeste jachten bij ruime wind slechts twee tot drie uur nodig om Westpunt te bereiken. Na Westpunt trok de wind pas echt aan waardoor de meeste jachten binnen een uur weer in de jachtclubs lagen. De Tranquillo voer als laatste uit om 08:00 'sochtends maar deed haar naam geen eer aan door in de loop van de dag alle andere jachten in te lopen. Zowel Tranquillo als Sagitarius zetten langs de Noordkust een spinnaker (red: een groot bolvormig zeil) bij om voor de wind extra snelheid te maken. Tranquillo vestigde uiteindelijk een persoonlijk record door het Rondje Aruba in 7 uur, 6 minuten en 34 seconden af te leggen. Andere jachten deden het wel rustig aan en gingen zelfs bij Malmok voor anker om een frisse duik te nemen alvorens de tocht voort te zetten. De Boston Whaler Malle Babbe maakte van de dag een visuitje en voltooide ook het Rondje Aruba.

Dit jaar deden er voor het eerst Sunfishes mee aan het Rondje Aruba. De Sunfish is een één persoons open zeilboot van 5

meter lang. Richard van der Wal, de Arubaans Sunfishkampioen van 2006, vertrok omstreeks 06:30 vanuit Sufside met als doel het gehele rondje af te leggen. Twee andere Sunfishes vertrokken om 10:00 vanuit Rodgers Beach en wachtten van der Wal voor een rendez-vouz op zee op. Daarna trok het Sunfish trio gezamenlijk verder langs de Noordkust om tegen 4 uur 's-middags Surfside te bereiken. Richard van der Wal legde het Rondje Aruba hiermee in een recordtijd 9:30 uur af.

De dag werd 'savonds gezellig afgesloten met een barbeque op Buciti Yacht Club. Het Rondje Aruba is een pleziervaartocht om Aruba waaraan zeiljachten van alle afmetingen kunnen meedoen. Voor veel van de deelnemende jachten is het Rondje Aruba een voorbereiding op de oversteek naar Bonaire vanwege de regatta in Oktober.

Oranjestad. – The Aruba ‘around the island’ sailing round 2007 held last Saturday September 15^th was successful. Participation was higher than last year and consisted of 7 sailing yachts, 3 Sunfishes and one small motor craft.

This year all participating yachts completed the ‘around the island’, i.e.: Tranquillo, Eva Luna, Teishi, Pionier, Sagitarius, Andante en Cruzancat. The small yachts Pionier and Sagitarius were the first ones to leave at 06:00. At 7:00 they were followed by Eva Luna, Andante, Teishi and the catamaran Cruzancat. Going to Seroe Colorado the wind was light and the yachts had to stay as close as possible to the shore to avoid the current South of Aruba. On this strech the crews had to work hard to tack the yachts against the wind contineously. In the end most of the yachts needed about five hours to reach Seroe Colorado. The condition of the sea at Seroe Colorado, the most difficult point on the route, was favourable this year and the crews did not suffer from any seasickness.

After Seroe Colorado the yachts gained speed and most of them needed only two to three hours along the Northern coasts to reach Westpunt. After Westpunt the wind grew stronger which brought the yachts back to the yacht clubs in an hour.

Tranquillo was the last yacht to leave at 08:00 but in contrast to what her name suggests, she passed all other yachts during the course of the day. Both Tranquillo and Sagitarius used a spinnaker (red: a huge round sail) traversing the Northern coast in order to gain extra speed. In the end Tranquillo set a personal record by completing the ‘around the island’ in 7 hours, 6 minutes and 34 seconds. Other yachts did take it easy and even anchored at Malmok for a swim before continuing their passage. The Boston Whaler Malle Babbe turned the day into a fishing trip and also completed the ‘round the island’.

This year there were Sunfishes participating in Aruba ‘around the island’ for the first time. A Sunfish is a 16 feet

sailing boat for one person. Richard van der Wal, Aruban Sunfish champion of 2006, left Surfside at 06:30 with the objective of completing the entire ‘around the island’. Two other Sunfishes left from Rodgers Beach at 10:00 and awaited van der Wal for a rendez-vouz on the water. Thereafter the Sunfish trio continued together along the Northern coast to reach Surfside at 4:00 in the afternoon. Richard van der Wal herewith completed the ‘around the island’ in a record time for Sunfishes of 9:30 hours.

In the evening there was a barbeque at Bucuti Yacht Club where the crews socialized and reflected on the activity of the day. The Aruba ‘around the island’ is a leisure trip for all sailing yachts regardless of their size. For most of the participating yachts the Aruba ‘around the island’ is a preparation for the passage to Bonaire in connection with the regatta in October.

Oranjestad. – Aruba ‘rond e isla’ pa velero 2007 cu a tuma lugar riba diasabra 15 di September ultimo tabata exitoso. Tabata tin participacion mas grandi cu aña pasa y consistiendo di un total 7 velero, 3 Sunfish y un jate di motor chiquito.

E aña aki tur velero cu a participa a completa e ‘rond e isla’, esta: Tranquillo, Eva Luna, Teishi, Pionier, Sagitarius, Andante y Cruzancat. E veleronan chiquito Pionier y Sagitarius a sali prome pa 06:00. Pa 07:00 a sigui Eva Luna, Andante, Teishi y e catamaran Cruzancat. Bayendo Seroe Colorado e biento no tabata fuerte y e veleronan mester a keda mas cerca posibel di e costa pa evita e coriente cu ta core pa Suid di Aruba. E crewnan mester a traha duro riba e parti aki pa bira e veleronan contra e biento continuamente. Al final e veleronan tabata tin mester di alrededor di cinco ora pa yega Seroe Colorado. E laman na Seroe Colorado, e punto mas dificil di e ruta, tabata favorabel e aña aki y e crewnan no a marea.

Despues di e paseo di Seroe Colorado e veleronan a tuma mas velocidad traversando e costa Norte y mas tanto tabata tin mester di solamente dos pa tres ora pa yega Westpunt. Despues di Westpunt e biento a cuminsa supla mas fuerte cu a hiba e veleronan bek pa e clubnan di yate den un ora.

Tranquillo a sali ultimo pa 08:00. Pero al contrario cu nan nomber ta surgeri nan a pasa tur otro velero den transcurso di e dia. Ambos Tranquillo y Sagitarius a usa un spinnaker (red: un bela grandi y rondo) traversando e costa Norte pa tuma extra velocidad. Al final Tranquillo a set un record personal completando e ‘rond e isla’ den 7 ora, 6 minuut y 34 seconde. Otro veleronan si a bai mas tranquil y hasta a tira anker na Malmok pa landa prome cu a resumi e paseo. E Boston Whaler Malle Babbe a haci e dia uno di pesca y tambe a completa e ‘rond e isla’.

E aña aki pa e prome biaha tabata tin participacion di Sunfish den Aruba ‘rond e isla’. Un Sunfish ta un boto di bela di 5

meter largura pa solamente un persona. Sr. Richard van der Wal, e campeon Arubano di Sunfish di aña 2006, a sali di Surfside pa 06:30 cu e meta pa completa henter e ‘rond e isla’. Dos otro Sunfish a sali di Rodgers Beach pa 10:00 y a warda van der Wal riba laman. Despues di nan encuentro e Sunfish trio a sigui hunto traversando e costa Norte pa yega Surfside pa 4:00 di atardi. Cu esaki Sr. Richard van der Wal a completa e ‘rond e isla’ den un tempo record pa Sunfish di 9:30 ora.

E dia a wordo clausura cu un barbeque ameno den anochi na Bucuti Yacht Club na unda e crews a refleha riba e dia. Aruba ‘rond e isla’ ta un trip pa diverticion pa jate di bela di tur tamanjo. Pa hopi di e veleronan e ‘rond e isla’ ta un preparacion pa e paseo pa Boneiro pa cu e regatta na Oktober.

Oranjestad. – Onlangs won Richard van der Wal het Arubaanse Sunfish Kampioenschap 2006. Het kampioenschap omvatte een serie van drie wedstrijddagen die werden gevaren op 22 Oktober te Rodger’s beach, 19 November te Fishermen’s Huts en 3 December te Surfside. Op iedere wedstrijddag werden er drie races gevaren. Van der Wal bleef het gehele kampioenschap ongeslagen behalve in de allerlaatste race en werd hiermee voor de achtste maal sinds 1996 Arubaans kampioen. Het bestuur van de Sunfish Club Aruba (SCA) feleciteert van der Wal met deze prestatie.

Het algemeen klassement van de Sunfish Club Aruba werd dit jaar gewonnen door Martin van der Velden gevolgd door Emile Westrate en Richard van der Wal. Voor het het algemeen klassement tellen naast het kampioenschap ook wedstrijden in de maanden maart t/m september. Het deelnemersveld bestond dit jaar uit 11 boten. De activiteiten van de Sunfish Club Aruba worden in februari 2007 hervat.

De Sunfish is een open zeilboot van 14 voet die bij uitstek geschikt is voor de Arubaanse kustwateren. Meer informatie is te vinden op: www.sunfishclubaruba.org

Uitslag Arubaans Sunfish Kampioenschap 2006
1	Richard van der Wal (na 9 races)
2	Martin van der Velden (na 9 races)
3	Theo Poiesz (na 9 races)
4	Arie de Klerk (na 9 races)
5	Orlando Wever (na 9 races)
6	Emile Westrate (na 3 races)
7	Wouter Werkema (na 6 races)
8	Frank Bonset (na 6 races)
9	Felix Jejo (na 7 races)
10	Robert Moons (na 3 races)
11	Milko Lo-Asioe (na 3 races)