Holland Regatta since 1985
Since 2005 the name of this sailing event is Holland Regatta. In 2004 we said goodbye to our twenty year long main sponsor SPA, who had given the name SPA Regatta. The first Dutch regatta took place in 1985, and through the years became one of world's best Olympic Sailing regatta's with over 1.100 participants from more than 50 countries.
Some highlights
After twenty successful editions of the SPA Regatta, there are many highlights to look back on. The Holland Regatta is well-known for various introduced innovations that were subsequently adopted by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF, formally known as the IYRU). Examples are: separate classes for women (470 and Mistral); prize money; shorter courses that resulted in more races; coloured spots to identify leading competitors.
Historical facts
1985
In the first edition of the SPA Regatta the surfboard class Division II (M) was introduced as an Olympic class. The Division II (M) succeeded the Wind glider, the first surfboard to make its debut on the 1984 Olympics.
The Soling Class could not compete in the first SPA Regatta, due to the European Championships which took place in the same weekend.1986
The 1986 SPA Regatta introduced separate fleets for men and women in the 470 class.1987
In 1987, the SPA Regatta Organisation introduced separate fleets for men and woman in the surfboard class Division II. The ISAF and IOC adopted the decision of SPA Regatta Organisation in the 1992 Olympics, when they too separated the fleets into men and women.1988
In 1998, the ISAF appointed the Lechner (Surfboard Class) as the next Olympic Surfboard.1989
The Europe made its debut at the 1989 SPA Regatta. It wasn't until the 1992 Olympics, that the ISAF decided to enter, the Europe Class as a new sailing discipline.1993
The Lechner surfboard class was replaced by the Mistral One Design (Men and Women). The Flying Dutchman would not participate in the SPA Regatta 1993, because the ISAF no longer perceive it as an Olympic class.1997
In 1997, the 49-er (High Performance Skiff) was introduced to the SPA Regatta program. Three years later, in 2000, the 49-er would experience its first Olympic challenge.
The Star (Double Handed Keelboat) was excluded from the SPA Regatta program after the ISAF had decided in 1996, that it no longer had the classification of an Olympic class. The ISAF recalled that decision after this SPA Regatta and reinstated the Start to the status of Olympic Class. It is the oldest Olympic Class and has been in the Olympic programme since 1932.1998
In 1998, the Star class returned to the SPA Regatta program.2000
Because it was an Olympic year, there weren't any significant changes in SPA Regatta of 2000. However the SPA Regatta 2000 will remain a memorable year due to the terrible Dutch weather during the event!2001
In 2001, matchracing and Soling were no longer part of the SPA Regatta program. Instead, a brand new class was introduced: the Yngling!
Also, the Tornado became more spectacular, with double trapeze and more sail surface.2002
Co-sponsor Armada Security introduced a tracking & tracing system to Olympic sailing. The Yngling was the first Olympic class ever that could be followed on television screens on shore and on the computer, through the internet. Also, a sms-system was introduced. People could subscribe on the SPA Regatta website and receive a sms with the latest results.2003
Due to the success of the evening race for 'Champions Trophy', it remained in the programme.2004
After twenty years, SPA decided to sail a different course in their marketing strategy. After the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday 30 May 2004, Henri G C van der Aat, Chairman of Organising Committee, thanked Spadel for their long-time commitment.2005
This year was the first time as Holland Regatta. Besides introducing a new name we continued with innovation of the world of sailing. For several classes as 49-er, Tornado, 470 Men and 470 Women there were top six finals on Sunday.
All classes concentrated around the International Sailing Center.
In 2005, in accordance with the ISAF, The Holland Regatta was the first Regatta to test an electronic system that can identify early starters.2006
After the Olympic Games 2004 in Athens, the ISAF Council decided to revote the Mistral-classes (men and women) from the list of Olympic classes and introduced the the Neil Pryde RS:X.2007
This year a new main sponsor gave name to the Regatta, the Breitling Regatta.
The championship evening races had been organised in the harbour.
Day winners from all classes sailing in mini 12 meter boats against eachother.
Medal races have been sailed on the last 2 days, pricegiving was held directly after the medal race.2008
Delta Lloyd is the new main sponsor of the regatta. Every sailor is looking forward to compete in the Olympic games. 22 of the 33 winners of an Olympic medal in Beijing, were present earlier that year at the Delta Lloyd Regatta. This shows once again how strong the Delta Lloyd Regatta competition is.2009
The Delta Lloyd Regatta celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. More than a quarter century the Regatta is one of the most important sailing events, for Olympic Classes, in the world. 2009 is the first year the Delta Lloyd Regatta is part of the ISAF World Cup, this automatically means the Regatta still has the highest ISAF ranking that's possible.
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