The 2001 Heineken Catamaran Aruba Regatta which starts this weekend is now in its 11th Year. Some of the world’s top catamaran sailors will be on the start line including entries from Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany, France and the UK.

Defending champion John Moret from Holland in a Tornado will be facing a strong challenge from the UK with a number of UK Tornado teams including William Sunnucks and Mark Self and the new Team of Richard Allen and James Hoad hoping to bring the trophy back to the UK for the first time. Also looking to improve on last year’s second place is Gerard Loos in a Hobie Tiger and Ashley and Julia Machin in a Hurricane 5.9 looking to improve on their fourth place in 2000.

The racing takes place over eight days and is supported by a strong organisational team from Holland with the respected Race Officer from the Round Texel Race, Edwin Lodder running the on water activities and Ruud Reij the hectic social programme. With sponsorship from Heineken, Gant, Coca Cola, the Aruba Tourist Board, Hapag Lloyd and KLM the event is professionally run with everything laid on for the competitors who are lodged in The Aruba Holiday Inn.

Anyone interested in taking part in the 2002 event should contact Richard Allen at Aruba@onedesign-yachting.co.uk.