In can not rest on a lot of experience, but I do have read and listened to a lot of theory regarding the Texel race. And I think I agree to both stories. In general yes if you are closer to shore the streams are weaker. But with regards to texel it's another story. It isn't a world famous race for no reason. There are two sides of the island, two total different seas. You have a filling effect of the Waddensea which is very strong, and there are many theories about the tides and currents. Even the best sailors chose tactics (follow everything the other guy does) because they are not sure. So I think we have to conclude that this region is a special case.