Anna Bay "Marina", Curacao

This story was submitted by Gregory Loe, CSA Measurer, and written by Karen Wooning. As introduction, Gregory writes; "This is their first regatta, first time using CSA in over 20 years (unverified). They had 22 boats in 4 classes. sailed in light conditions (for Curacao), between 8-15kts. Races were started and ended in the channel/waterway in Willemstad."
Editor's note: It seems that the Heineken Regatta Curacao has a very bright future. Read on and check out some of the photos at http://www.heinekenregattacuracao.com/news

"Beyond All Expectations"

This title was stolen by me from a local newspaper, but it says it all. One and a half years ago we started with an idea, and on November 7th - 9th it became reality. No one expected it to be this big and this great. But there they were, in the Anna Bay, right in the center of historic Willemstad, Curacao, lots of boats, lots of activities, lots of people and lots of fun, both on water and land.

The idea of organizing a regatta in our beautiful main town, Willemstad, spinned around in the brain of Gijs Boer for a quite a while. In 2007 he found some other enthusiasts and together they founded the foundation Curacao Sailing Festival (CSF). Looking for partners, we got in contact with Heineken, well known for supporting regattas and the manager of the Curacao branch of the famous beer brand was more than thrilled with the idea.

We contacted other sailing organizations, sponsors and volunteers. The harbor authority gave full cooperation and we even got the Maritime Museum as our regatta home. The idea kept growing, until after loads of work, meetings and other preparations, on November 7th the regatta was officially opened by our minister of tourism, Mr. Eugene Ruggenaath. The opening party was promising. Hundreds of people showed up and enjoyed the meeting and greeting, the great music and the very positive atmosphere.

All Saturday and Sunday there were yachts racing, beachcats, windsurfers, sunfishes teamracing, centaurs matchracing and microboats sailing, seascouts rowing little boats, all in and around the Anna Bay, the broad canal that leads to our harbor, the Schottegat. Moreover demonstrations where given of seadoos and wakeboards and between all the activity that was going on a helicopter dropped a few divers in the bay. The slogan "Real different" was chosen because that is exactly what it was.

On land there were bars, stands, music, and the public had a perfect view on all the activities on the water. At night performers like DJ Tico, the winner of the Caribbean Green Synergy DJ competition, the Aruban Band and the undisputed Queen of Soca, Miss Alison Hinds, were on stage giving their best.

The week before the regatta we had no idea how big and how great it was going to be. Now we know and we can't wait to start organizing next year's Heineken Regatta Curacao!

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