Just back from Texel and now my name in a thread's name; guess I have to reply.
Anyway, the round was not too bad for us. Had a pretty good start, close to the shore and almost free air. Still had my problems with light air upwind, as long as both hulls are in the water (with a bit of chop) we're just a tad slower than most F18's. Have some work to do on that part.
Just noticed that the ones who tacked early to the shore made better progress, the worst decision was to leave our good, clean air position, go to the shore, find out you can’t cross the fleet, and notice the wind is getting betting better on the sea…

Downwind was a bit better, could keep our position more or less and when returning to the Northsea we got an unexpected but very welcome 12-18 knots, upwind. In these conditions the blade is pretty fast so we could get some 20 boats on that part. Very exiting finish lot’s of cats close together and a gusty wind, and everyone tacking quite often to stay close to the shore for the better wind. So at the end place 141 out of 500 starters. Did enjoy it, good weather, light wind, strong wind, current lots of thing to play with.

Some other things noticed; did see the Viper that was at zandvoort, now sailed by Paul Brouwer. Guess he did pretty well downwind, he passed me on that part.

Remco Kenbeek was indeed sailing an Marstrom A-cat, with spi. He put an existing (probably F18) spi on it and went pretty well (37), despite it was his first sail on an A-cat.

As for being expensive, do think the subscription is quite reasonable at 100-110 Euro for a four day event, as Tony pointed out. And there is a lot to be done to get this race organised.
I know one day events here which are at 65 euro’s.
Sure the ferry makes it a bit more expensive. In my case it was 50 Euro’s (did move the mast a bit forward before entering the ferry, makes it a bit cheaper)

You can do your stay the way you like, there are lots of hotels etcetera but also cheap camping’s pretty close to the where it happens.

Geert