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The competing classes are: Hobie 16 with spinnaker youth, master (from the age of 45), women, Hobie Dragoon youth and Hobie 16 Open. So far, the organization has received 33 pre-entries, representing 11 countries in the Open class. For the Dutch Hobie Cat community, it is definitely a revival of the more that 30 years old Hobie 16 competition. Twelve young crews with eight nationalities have registered for the Hobie 16 with spinnaker, the equipment used for the 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship. This fleet is expected to increase up to 30-50 participants. Registration is open until 1 July.

It all starts with the two-day Women and Master (from the age of 45) championships on Saturday 28 July. Youth sailors in the Hobie 16 with spinnaker and Hobie Dragoon will race from 28-31 July. The qualifications for the Open Class will start on 30 July and the finals on 1 August.

'If you look at the pre-entries, it is obvious that many former Hobie 16-sailors use the opportunity as a comeback,' says Ute VRIJBURG, Event Director on behalf of the European Hobie Cat Association (EHCA). 'In that perspective, it is like a revival of the Hobie 16 in the Netherlands.'

The popular catamaran was introduced to the American market in 1969 and it dominated the Dutch catamaran sport for years. The coastal sailing club 's Gravenzande (KZVG) and the EHCA will organize the 33rd edition of the Hobie Cat 16 European Championship, under the leadership of Race Director Rob HOOGSTRA. The challenge for competitors is to fight the elements, such as current, tides, waves and surf. It is also about competition and socializing with fellow sailors from all over Europe.

Rising Stars

The Hobie 16 with spinnaker is one of two classes which can be used in the Open Mulithull event at the ISAF Youth Worlds, making the class a worldwide training boat for sailors under the age of 21, who are aiming at a career in the Olympic Class Tornado. The Hobie Dragoon is a new youth catamaran with spinnaker and double trapeze. If both crew members are under the age of 16, they compete in the junior class. It is also possible to race with a parent in the open class. Subscription for the Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 started in May.

The organization will offers professional training sessions prior to the start of the races. From 25-27 July, top trainers Brian PHIPPS (GBR) and Cédéric BADER (FRA) are ready to help participants. PHIPPS is a former RYA coach. Nowadays he trains sailors all over the world, works as youth co-ordinator for the Hobie class and is the British national coach for the Hobie 16 with spinnaker and Hobie Dragoon. BADER won the 2005 Europeans Hobie 16 and Hobie 16 with spinnaker. In 2006, he added the Youth World title in the Hobie 16 with spi to his performance record. The training sessions in 's Gravenzande are open for Hobie 16 and Hobie Dragoon. During the weekend of 28-29July, the Hobie 16 teams are welcome to warm up at the Westland Cup, also organized by KZGZ.

Race Schedule

• Hobie 16 Spi, youth, 28-31 July
• Hobie Dragoon, youth, 28-31 July
• Hobie 16 Master, 28-29 July
• Hobie 16 Women, 28-29 July
• Hobie 16 Open, qualification, 30-31 July
• Hobie 16 Open, finals, 1-4 August

The Hobie 16 and Hobie Dragoon Europeans 2007 are sponsored by: I-Drukker, Carrier Airconditioning, the Greenery, Autobedrijf Schoenmeijer, Vakantiepark Vlugtenburg aan zee, Tomselect, Ernst Olieman BV, Hogenboom vakantieparken, AfvalisHipenSexy.nl, Wealco Systemen BV, Westland Energie Services, ProfMedia BV, Rabobank, Boekestijn Transport Service, De Parel, Center Line, Hoeve de Viersprong, Colour XL, IkSloopGoedkoop.nl, Kwekerij Rozenhof, Ariën Hofman, Combifleuren Hobie Cat Holland BV.