Netherlands to Host 2017 Hobie Worlds

Noordwijk, The Netherlands (January 18, 2017) – The Dutch Hobie Cat class association together with Coastal Sailing club Noordwijk (ZVN) are inviting all Hobie Cat sailors and aficionados to attend the 2017 Hobie® Multi Worlds & Europeans. The beautiful village of Noordwijk will be the playground for all eligible Hobie classes to compete in their respective World or European Championships from July 20 – 29, 2017.

In recent years, the Dutch Hobie CA revitalized Hobie sailing in The Netherlands, always a stronghold for the brand since its introduction. There has been a growth in Hobie sailing especially in the Hobie 16 and Hobie Dragoon in recent years. In hosting the Worlds and Europeans, the country hopes to confirm their position in the hotspot of catsailing, the Hobie Cat.

The Zeilvereniging Noordwijk ZVN, the local sailing club, is the oldest of its kind in the country, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2017. The club, with over 300 memberships and 200 berths, is located centrally on the beach of Noordwijk, close to the shopping center, hotels, and guesthouses and the vibrant “De Grent”, the strip with bars and restaurants. Boats and trailers can be parked in front of the club and next to the tented village of the event organization.

The racing schedule starts with the Hobie 14 Worlds and the Europeans for Hobie Dragoon and Hobie 16 youth for four consecutive days. In the first weekend, traditionally the Hobie 16 specials will compete for the title H16 EHCA Spi Cup, H16 Women, Masters, Grandmasters and Great Grandmasters. After the weekend the Hobie 16 Open qualifiers will start and from Wednesday on, the Hobie 16 Open Europeans will compete in the Gold and Silver Fleet. Hobie Wild Cat will start their Worlds, together with the European Championships for Hobie FX One and Hobie Tiger a.k.a. IHCA International Cup.

In the annual Dutch Dragoon Cup in Zeeland, there are up to 30 youth teams sailing the Hobie Dragoon. The organizers therefore hope to meet World Sailing requirements of 25 teams from 5 countries and 2 continents, so the next Hobie Dragoon event can be a World championship. In The Netherlands, as well as in Belgium and Italy, Dragoon is very popular amongst youngsters. To meet World Sailing requirements, the organizing authority offers Dragoons available for charter.

Being a popular summer holiday destination, competitors are advised to book their accommodation early. Entering before January 31, 2017 gives the advantage of the lowest entry fee.

Event Website

Report by Klaas van Duin, chairman DHCA