Delta Lloyd Regatta - New racing format for 2012

by Ferdi Merks on 21 Apr 2012 The ISAF Sailing World Cup’s fifth of seven regattas, the Delta Lloyd Regatta, is set to take place from the 22-26 May in Medemblik with the event now having a new race format for the 2012 edition.

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) 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. The following changes have been made to the schedule;

- The Laser Radial, 470 Men and Women, 49'er and Finn class will sail over three days instead of five. These classes start on Thursday 24th of May and Friday 25th of May with four races each day. On Saturday May 26 one race will be held in the morning and one Medal Race will be held in the afternoon.

- All races in these classes will be sailed over a shorter track with a target time of 30 to 35 minutes each per race.

- The 470 Men and Women will sail together in one start.

- All other classes, Laser, Star, 2.4MR, RS:X Men and Women and Sonar, will remain in original fixtures over five days. Starting on Tuesday 22nd of May and finishing on Saturday 26th of May.

The Delta Lloyd Regatta is one of the leading events in Olympic sailing for over 25 years. Over the past years, it has been a top priority to be innovative and try out new formats. For example, the Delta Lloyd Regatta was the first to broadcast Sailing World Cups live. This year it will be the first time to use a custom schedule at World Cup level, fully within reach of audience and camera.

For more information download the revised Notice of Race here or contact the Organizing Committee at info@deltalloydregatta.nl.