Magic Marine Easter Regatta - Tight racing on the sheltered lake
by Carrie Howe on 5 Apr 2015
Tight racing on the sheltered lake - Magic Marine Easter Regatta Carrie Howe
Magic Marine Easter Regatta - Marking the opening of the International Optimist schedule, the regatta is in full swing with 240 competitors representing 17 different countries. From what started as a dismal week with gale force winds and torrential rain, the event has developed to provide tight racing on the sheltered lake in The Netherlands.
In the first two days, six races in three groups have been raced. A surprise strong performance from the Finnish team has proved difficult for the usual Dutch, Belgium and English talents.
Looking back at the history of the event: it all started when a Scandinavian delivered a request to the Netherlands for a more feasible location capable to host an Optimist event in the cold winter period. Lake Braassemermeer has proved for 30 years strong that the location is well chosen seeing that sailing in the winter in Northern Europe can be tricky with the harsh winters.
“Lake Braassemermeer is a great learning environment. The conditions are incredibly tricky which requires that the sailors have good boat speed combined with tactical knowledge and patience,” commented Sam McKenzie, coach of the Finnish team. “In Garda it is difficult for the sailors to practice their tactics because of the predominant favoured side. Conditions on Lake Braassemermeer are representable to what the Optimist Worlds will be this year in Dziwnow, Poland on the bay.”
2015 marks the anniversary of the 30th edition of the Easter Regatta and is for sponsored by the Dutch technical sailing clothing company Magic Marine for the last 10 years. The event is World Class and known for quality racing and fun for the entire sailing family. Hosted during Easter weekend; the event includes an Easter egg hunt, games for the brothers and sisters, and four days of chocolate.
Zara Howarth from Poole, England commented, “It is great to have qualified (top 40 in English rankings) for the Easter Regatta team. Loads of sailors from other countries make it really great and a full week to work as a team with great racing conditions. We are loving it!”
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