Dear Sailors, coaches and other sailing enthusiasts, At least you have sent in your entries - thank you. For most classes the number of participating boats approaches the expected levels, only the Starclass still has a lot of work to do.

The Hernesaari Venue

Work at Hernesaari progresses as planned. Converting an industrial area into a Championship venue is a major undertaking: A street is moved, water and electricity distribution systems, telecommunications networks are being built. At this moment the two launching ramps are being built, courtesy City of Helsinki.

Race crew training
The first races for the season have taken place on the designated race areas outside Helsinki. Almost 80 Lasers and Europe dinghies competed on the D area last weekend. Though all went well some skills have been lost during the winter season so it was good to have the race crew out to finetune their skills. Even Dutch Racing Manager Allert Mastenbroek had come over to get familiar with the local conditions and perhaps above all with the local people. A major event to come is the Helsinki regatta 17th to 19th June when the various classes sail on many of the Open Europeans course areas. Welcome to that regatta!

52 page insert
A 52 page Open Europeans insert is being produced. It will be distributed both with the nations biggest evening newspaper, Ilta-Sanomat, and to visitors at the Hernesaari venue. The insert includes information on the championships, the different boat classes participating and on the public events to take place at the venue.

Cameras
Yes, there will be onboard cameras during the medal races, courtesy our sponsor Rajala. The cameras are small enought not to bother sailors and we hope to get good footage for the media.

Living at the venue
The organizers provide space and electricity for up to 30 caravans, mobile homes or similar at a cost of 25€/night.
If you want to secure a place, please contact us as soon as possible. Tents are not allowed on the premises but arrangements can be made with some of the local sailing clubs.
Also, locked storage containers can be arranged but need to be ordered asap – please contact us for more information.

Intelligent Public Transport
The Helsinki regional public transport system (HSL) is a new partner of ours. An intelligent registration card provided at registration allows competitors, coaches and event volunteers to use the exc ellent public transport system in Helsinki free of charge. So even if you bring your own car you do not need to use it every day.

Looking forward to seeing you in Helsinki

Patrick Andersson, General Secretary, Open Europeans 2011

5/6/2011 08:15