RS500 World Championship - Dutch team prepares for action

by Michiel Geerling on 19 Jul 2014 In the run up to the 2014 RS500 World Championships, the executive committee of the International RS500 Class Organisation has confirmed the venue for the World Championship in 2015 to be in Bruinisse, Netherlands from 2-6 August.

The great growth of the Dutch class and the great enthusiasm of the sailors have ensured that Bruinisse is seen as an ideal venue for this event.

Dutch Class President Nick van Alphen commented; 'Every year the Dutch Class turn out in force for the World Championships and enjoy organising the legendary Dutch Party. The Dutch Team enjoy the event so much, we want to attract as many foreign teams to come to the Netherlands and experience an event we can host. One of our aims is certainly for people to still be talking about this in years to come!'

The fact that the RS500 World Championships is coming to the Netherlands next year certainly gives a boost to the class. In less than three weeks 17 Dutch teams will be travelling to Loctudy in Brittany for this year's competition. This is double the amount of sailors from last year’s Dutch entry in Sweden.

From the Worlds in Loctudy, the Dutch team will bring home a 6-boat trailer of charter RS500s and provided that these boats are not immediately sold they will be available for charter in the autumn in class events. To follow the 2014 World Championships and keep momentum high there are two events in Bruinisse in the autumn; The Open Dutch Skiff Trophy on 13/14 September followed by the Dutch Championships on 20/21 September. Those interested in chartering one of these six boats during a class event in the autumn can contact the class via info@rs500.nl

The Dutch class has great provision for grassroots development and is appealing to a wide audience. The good mix of students and young adult within the class ensure it remains lively with a stable level of racing.

The Dutch class also own its own boat available by request to charter or test before buying. Additionally, there are clubs in the Netherlands who have one or more RS500's in their fleet. Examples are WVA Vinkeveen and Student Sailing Club Blue Barge in Leiden. Members can make use of the boat for training and competition purposes.

For more information, click here or visit international sites here or e-mail: RS500 website