Many former Olympic classes are still active as international classes sailed at high level by sailors from all around the world.
For example, the 12' Dinghy, active at the Olympics in 1920 and 1928, is still today active in regattas in twelve different countries on three different continents. More recently, the 1910 designed Star, the primary Olympic keelboat from 1932 until 2012, may have lost its Olympic status but not its Olympic reputation! This keelboat is still raced by some of the best sailors worldwide.
The Olympic history has produced many of these beautiful designs that remain fit for sailing at a high level all around the globe. Besides the two classes mentioned earlier the Europe, 2.4 Metre (active at the Paralympics), Olympiajol, 12m2 Sharpie, Flying Dutchman, Yngling, Soling, Dragon, 5,5 Metre, 6 Metre, are all internationally active.
Apart from their shared Olympic heritage, they have more in common. The boats are sailed by a large group of fanatical regatta sailors from numerous countries. Most classes have developed and improved and are now modern racing machines.
Specially developed for these classes the first Vintage Yachting Games was organized in 2008 in Medemblik, the Netherlands. A multi-class sailing event for former Olympic and Paralympic classes. After its successful start, this event is, like the Olympic Games, repeated every four years. In 2012 it took place on Lake Como, Italy. With almost 200 boats and 400 sailors from 4 continents and 27 countries is was highly successful.
The 2018 edition will bring the fleet to Copenhagen, Denmark. The hosts, a cooperation between the Royal Danish Yacht Club and the Hellerup Sailing Club will organize the regatta and the social activities including a grand opening and Gala dinner.
The event is open for all sailors in these classes. No selection will take place with up to 25 registered boats per class. See the NOR for details. Several former Olympic sailors and current champions have indicated their interest to compete at this unique event at this perfect location, however sailors of all levels are invited to participate.
|
 |
|
info@12footdinghy.org