Delta Lloyd Regatta set to premiere Olympic sailing

by Rick van Wijngaarden on 5 Apr 2012 The ISAF Sailing World Cup Delta Lloyd Regatta, is set to take place from May 22-26 in Medemblik, The Netherlands and will have a world premiere for Olympic sailing.

Sailors are in a tough situation where they have to make certain choices on which sailing events they wish to attend. Next to all preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games, multiple ISAF Sailing World Cups and World Championships are planned in a short range of time. This results in too much pressure on the preparation program of the sailors towards the Olympic Games.

In consultation with the sailors and their coaches, the Royal Dutch Yachting Union and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) there has been decided to adjust the fixtures and schedule for a number of classes. This will fit the 2012 Delta Lloyd Regatta better in the preparation program of the sailors. The Organizing Committee introduces a new more compact race schedule which makes sailing for the audience and media a lot more accessible and attractive.

In practical terms this means a Regatta of three days instead of five for the following classes: Laser Radial, 470 Men and Women, 49’er and Finn with more races on one day and on a shorter track.

President of the Organizing Committee Arjen Rahusen is excited about this promising experiment: 'The Delta Lloyd Regatta is one of the leading events in Olympic sailing for over 25 years. Over the past years, our top priority has been to be innovative and try out new formats. For example, we were the first to broadcast Sailing World Cups live. This year we will introduce a custom schedule at World Cup level for the first time, fully within range of audience and camera. Good for the sailors and appealing for the audience'.

For more information visit www.deltalloydregatta.org