Reaction on the Vintage Yachting Games 2008.

Dear friends,

You have been infected by the racing virus probably as much as I am. But what is the problem these days?

In my opinion good racing area's, good committees, and strong (not especially large) fleets.

Of course there are the Olympic games, but do they select the best venues these days? Do you want to sail 7 days a week for 4 years? Probably not!

So what's interesting?

Well, I will tell you. I got information about the Vintage Yachting Games, and I think that's what we are looking for:

racing in the former Olympic Classes against former medalists. A superb racing area in the best time of the year (20-27 September 2008), one of the best international racing committees and a hot competition.

Anyway, whatever you do, I made my entry (on www.vintageyachtinggames.org). And of course I hope to see you at this unique series.

The classes are: Europe female, Europe male, O-Jolle, Flying Dutchman, Soling and Dragon.

The Vintage Yachting Games is the result of the former Olympic classes wanting to celebrate their combined Olympic history in a high performance regatta. Each country can be represented by their best sailors in each class. The Vintage Yachting Games will be held every four years.

For the first edition in Medemblik, there are already entries from 23 countries.

So if your country is not yet represented in one of those classes, just contact Rudy den Outer (rudy@vintageyachtinggames.org) and make sure you can participate, because this is one of those seldom possibilities to race under the best circumstances against the best competitors.

Hope to see you all in Medemblik at the "Vintage Yachting Games",

Fred Imhoff

Fred Imhoff has been for over 4 decades champion in many International classes like Flying Dutchman and Dragon.