Hi Guys,

lets make it work and count me in <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!

regards,

Frank
Blade NED 013

That is a "yes" and "yes". Not to forget that there is a gay meeting spot as well for the sailors who care. It is afterall the Netherlands guys. Anybody want to roll himself a joint ?

Wouter

Wow, those are unusual incentives for going to a regatta. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Preparing for the Gay Olympics I persume <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Jeez, I've forgotten how! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hmmm. I hear memory problems are one of the side effects. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

HAHAHAHAHAHAH! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi all,

am always very keen to check out the scenery when travelling in OZ. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Maybe it's time I broadened my horizons, the seaside scenery in Zandvoort sounds very attractive <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />.

More reasons to attend the Global Challenge are popping up all the time <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />.

Don't no if the wife will be able to make it though <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Regards Gary. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

I can tell you their scenery is only exceded by their hospitality. Oh, and the wind and water are good too! I will try to make it as well, boat or not, I can always have fun watching.

John, I address this to you simply on the basis of language commonality!? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

The first thing that came to my mind was to ship my boat there, then down to Spain, and sell it! Buy a new Blade when I get home.

Thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

A suggestion Pete:
Don't bother shipping your boat over and then on to Spain. Sell yours in the US, buy a Stealth and either myself or John would take it to Zandvoort. Compete the event and the ship the Stealth back in the same contain as the "Other" US boats. You would save 1000's of Dollars and have a boat with loads of carbon fibre in lieu of aluminium!

Count me in!



Those prices look remarkably good compared to what I paid last time I made the journey. Are there any restrictions such as when we book them?

Paul

I've just looked at the Stena Line website and they currently have a promotion on for day-time sailings. It might be more expensive at the beginning of August, but that price is in the right ballpark for a DAY sailing in 2006.

Overnight will be more expensive, as no doubt will be next year given the price of fuel, but no-idea how much as they currrently are showing zero availibility for 2007 !

Off the top of my head, overnight was more expensive in that accommodation was compulsory and started at £40-50 each way (for two people sharing), which is a similar price to taking the fast boat, and anyone who's into fast cats should probably do that at least once. When I collected my Blade, I missed the ferry on the way back so caught the cat, and overtook the boat that we missed at 40kts <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The other alternative is Calais or Dunkirk - I went out that way. Takes a similar amount of time overall, but with a greater choice of crossing times. Probably a similar price once you include petrol.

Paul

Mark's suggestion of ordering a Stealth, sailing it at Zandvoort and shipping home afterwards seems quite a good one. It used to happen all the time in the Olympic classes in the 80's. A cheap way of getting an overseas boat imported.

In practical terms though, what makes you think it would be 'easy' to sell your Blade in Spain? Many of the more established classes - both mono and cats have a thriving post-championship market and I've even been to events where I know that the 'favourites' boat(s) are already pre-sold for delivery after the event! I don't think this is the stage we are at in F16 - yet!

Another option to consider - there may be a container to come from Oz. IF the Cap F16 is ready AND someone wants one, delivery to Zandvoort would be ideal. The boat could then be shipped back to wherever in the container with the other boats. Of course, it doesn't just apply to the Capricorn, you could just as easily apply the principle to any of the designs. I'm sure Matt/Hans could arrange for new Blades in the US container, or JP could deliver new Stealths to Holland. A 'worlds' is and always has been a great opportunity for upgrading/replacing boats and gear.

Any Firm(er) dates yet ?

I might try and turn in into a Family Holiday (Not sure the wifee will go for a "boys" week away).

Preliminary dates:

Friday 10 Aug Measuring boats

Saturday 11 Aug Measuring boats

Sunday 12 Aug Opening Ceremony around 11am
Practice race start around 2pm

Monday 13 Aug 2 races

Tuesday 14 Aug 2 races

Wednesday 15 Aug 2 races

Thursday 16 Aug 2 races

Friday 17 Aug 1 race (poss Medal race)
Prize giving around 4pm and closing ceremony.

[color:"red"] All to be confirmed within the next few weeks. [/color]

Well, it doesn't have to be a "boys" week away to her. I mean Zandvoort is right smack in the centre of the Rimcity as well the ring of cities that have almost fused together in the west of the Netherlands. There is the Frans Hals (Dutch 17th century painter) museum and the Typer Museum (oldest museum in Holland) in Haarlem (10 km away), Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam (20 km away) and a score of other interesting sites there plus big shopping streets. Then of course the Hague is only 25 km south of Zandvoort and Rotterdam (architecture) is fartest but still close at 50 km. Then the Zandvoort dune area is one of the more pretty dune area's in the Netherlands and bicycles are easy and cheap to rent. You can cycle in these protected area's for miles and miles. Then of course Zandvoort has a large Casino just a single km away from the beach catamaran club house; you can walk to it.

I think there is enough to do when hubby is going sailing. Unless she really wants you there with her when she does these things.

Wouter

No offense, but that doesn't make cents to me! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As long as I'm doing F16, I'll stay with the Blade.

Wouter,

It's the kids at 4 and 6 that will be the problem.....