Braassemermeer 2009

It is expected that the organisers of the Braassemermeer Easter Regatta in Holland will grant IODAI an allocation of 30 places for suitable sailors at next year’s 2009 Easter Regatta.

The IODAI Committee have decided to initially invite the top 10 Junior sailors from the current rankings and the  top 20 Senior sailors from the January 2009 rankings which will be published as early as possible in January to reflect the compulsory retirees and as many as possible of voluntary retirees.  It is hoped to anticipate the January rankings and issue official invitations to Braassemermeer before Christmas.  Official rankings will not be changed until January but most sailors should already be able to estimate where they will appear in these rankings and if they will be in the top 20 or not..

Sailors and parents wishing to take up these invitations should be aware that Braassemermeer is a very tough regatta, with long races in often challenging conditions.  A look at last year’s event report and pictures may assist in deciding whether this event is for you or not.  http://www.iodai.com/live/487.html and http://www.iodai.com/gallery/Brass-weather-in-Holland

As in previous year’s not all sailors take up the invitation.  Some decide to simply do something else at Easter e.g. The ISA Youth Championships in Schull or The Easter Regatta in Lake Garda. 

Last year only 16 sailors attended Braassemermeer and the event logistics could cater for around 20.  (This figure is somewhat dependant on the number of parents who decide to attend - less parents, more sailors)  So, there may be some spare places.  IODAI would like to see as many sailors as possible benefit from attendance at Braassemermeer.

In the event of extra places being available, attendance may be offered to other deserving sailors who would be capable of handling the rigours of the event.  If any sailor feels they would like to attend, their application would be considered if circumstances permit. 

If you would like to be considered for an additional place, please e-mail honsec@iodai.com expressing your interest before 1st December.  You should outline any  circumstances which would justify an invitation and whether a parent will attend the event.   Only sailors who submit such an application will be considered for additional places.

Space on the mothership is at a premium therefore it is not necessary or even desirable for each sailor to have a parent in attendance.  However each sailor should have someone nominated to look after their needs during the event..