5th - 14th october 2023

Bonaire Regatta Sailing Program

SWIM TO KLEIN BONAIRE

The competition took place prior to the recreational Swim and was organized in collaboration with Jong Bonaire.
Koen Verhoeven (cat. Boys 12-17 years) was the fastest swimmer of them all! It took him 22 minutes and 07 seconds to swim from Eden Beach to Klein Bonaire and back. Katarina Albada Jelgersma was the fastest woman (cat. Women 18-39 years) with a time of 24.55!
In the 18-39 years category, the first prize among the men went to Max van Drongelen and in the Girls 12-17 years, Jules-Jolie Schwager was the fastest, just like last year. In the Men and Women 40 years and older, Pieter Zweers and Simone Sweers were – just like last year – the fastest swimmers.
A total of 58 swimmers took part in the competition.
We thank Woodwind fun, sun, sail, snorkel Bonaire, Bagel & Bloom and Luciano Bonaire for providing the first, second and third prizes in all categories. Guardian Group Dutch Caribbean presented a trophy to each winner.

SUNFISH CLASS

The Bonaire Regatta of 2023 saw a amazing gathering of 17 enthusiastic sunfish participants at the beautiful Sorobon Beach. The ambiance was set right with moderate winds, making it an ideal scenario for competitive sailing.

Over the first weekend, a total of eight races were held, showcasing both the skills of the participants and the sportsmanship shared among them. The races were filled with tactical maneuvers, thrilling moments, and passionate displays of seamanship.

For the A category the winner was Robbert Verboom, who showed exceptional skill and determination to claim the top spot. Meanwhile for the B category the honors  went to Sjef Van Burden, whose consistent performance made him stand out among the contenders.

The regatta was not just about the races. The afternoons were filled with hangout moments, laughter, and relaxation. Participants and spectators alike indulged in delicious lunch packages. The ice-cold drinks provided a refreshing respite from the sun and added to the festive spirit of the regatta.

 

The 2023 Bonaire Regatta was a perfect blend of competitive sailing and leisurely fun. Both on and off the waters, the event showcased the spirit of the sailing community, making it a memorable weekend for everyone involved. The combination of top-notch racing and relaxed afternoons set a benchmark for future regattas.

WINDSURFING SLALOM

Parallel to the sunfish races, the windsurfing segment of the regatta garnered attention and excitement. Despite being a smaller group, they brought along an energy that was infectious.

A total of nine races were completed in the windsurfing category. These races were characterized by a down wind slalom course. Even though the group was small, their passion for windsurfing was evident in every race.

The windsurfers received substantial backing from the AquaSpeed community, ensuring that each participant was well-supported and equipped. This fellowship and community support elevated the entire experience for the windsurfers.

While these races were primarily centered around having fun, they have undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for future regattas. The shared enthusiasm and dedication of the windsurfers have paved the way for bigger and more engaging events in the years to come.

Their motivation, combined with the steadfast support from AquaSpeed, ensures that windsurfing at the Bonaire Regatta will only grow bigger and better in subsequent editions.

SAILING

The 56th Bonaire Regatta, a highly anticipated event on the Caribbean sailing calendar, entered its second part with great enthusiasm and excitement. Here is an overview of the activities and highlights of this leg of the regatta.

Inscriptions at Kas di Regatta: The second part of the regatta kicked off with the inscriptions at Kas di Regatta, where participants officially registered for the remaining races. This initial step set the stage for an action-packed days to come of sailing.
Captains Meeting: An important aspect of ensuring the safety and fairness of the regatta was the captains meeting led by Principal Race Officer Bruno De Wannemaeker from Belgium. This gathering allowed the participants to receive crucial information about the races, including course details, rules, and safety procedures.
Parade of Nations: A colorful and vibrant Parade of Nations added to the festive atmosphere of the regatta. This event not only showcased the diversity of participants but also highlighted the international community appeal of the Bonaire Regatta.
BBQ at El Muno Restaurant: Participants and spectators had the opportunity to savor a delightful BBQ at El Muno Restaurant. This gathering provided a casual and enjoyable atmosphere for competitors and attendees to socialize and refuel for the upcoming races.
Evening Program in Kralendijk: The evening program in Kralendijk offered a fantastic opportunity for social interaction. Participants and locals alike enjoyed the evening’s festivities and delicious local cuisine, making it an integral part of the regatta experience.

The first racing day for the sailing classes kicked off infront of the Kas di Regatta in the picturesque bay of Kralendijk, boasting ideal sailing conditions. The day’s races were challenging and exciting, and the Race Committee successfully organized and executed three completed races.

The key to success on the water was good starts and an acute awareness of wind shifts. The dynamic conditions made the races thrilling to watch and proved to be an exhilarating test of skill for the participating sailors.

One notable highlight was when the boats ventured a long distance behind Klein Bonaire, leading to a surprising moment as they re-entered the Kralendijk Bay. This unexpected turn added an element of suspense and unpredictability to the races, further engaging both the participants and spectators.

As we look forward to the continuation of the regatta, it is clear that the 56th Bonaire Regatta is living up to its reputation as a prestigious sailing event, showcasing not only the sailing abillities of the participants but also the vibrant and welcoming spirit of the Bonaire community.

The Regatta is set to continue with more exhilarating races in the coming days. Participants and spectators can anticipate further challenges and exciting moments on the water. We look forward to providing updates on the remaining days of this esteemed event.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

LATEST REGATTA VIDEOS

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