The Bistro at Paseo Herencia opened this week, a Taste of Belgium branch. The Frietje was one of the pioneer outlets to open at the Paseo Herencia, now having built the kitchen, at the adjacent restaurant, the terrace portion is now open and serving guests delicious foods in a casual European atmosphere on director’s chairs and square bistro tables.

Join the Autumn Festival at L.G. Smith’s Restaurant featuring a famous Master Chef, Eugene Swalen, who will join the kitchen from Holland and will be creating an additional special menu that will be offered for six weeks, combined with appropriate wines. He is also going to give food presentations at the Renaissance Conference Center on October 30th & 31st. For more information please contact Mrs. Sigrid Mendes at (297) 583-6000.

The Gambero Rosso; the new Taste of Italy is the new style Italian restaurant located on the lower level of the Marina Mall in Weststraat with beautiful and refreshing views over the marina. It is open everyday from 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm and reservations can be made at (297) 582-3007 or email info@gamberorossoaruba.com - Website (Still under construction) will be www.gamberorossaruba.com

The popularity of the AAA Four Diamond rated Sunset Grille at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino restaurant’s cuisine has extended to New York City as the October 16 Sunset Over Aruba Dinner at the prestigious James Beard House has officially sold out according to the James Beard Foundation. The Aruban-inspired menu created by Executive Chef Matthew Boland, Executive Sous Chef Hector Espinoza and Sous Chef Anthony Martinus has tempted the palettes of Manhattan’s most discerning “foodies.” Members of the James Beard Foundation anticipate the opportunity to taste European and South American flavors of the menu, which has been influenced by Aruba’s diverse colonial history. The James Beard Foundation has been at the forefront of America’s culinary revolution as chefs from the finest restaurants cook in the kitchen of James Beard’s legendary Greenwich Village home since 1986. For more information contact: Gina Stouffer/Michael Hicks at Lou Hammond & Associates. Phone: 305-443-8862. Email: ginag@lhammond.com or michaelh@lhammond.com. Or visit: www.louhammond.com

ARUBA welcomed Spirit Airlines Non-stop Service to Aruba on Saturday November 10, 2007. Every Saturday, vacationers will depart Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at 11:00 a.m. to arrive at Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport at 3:05 p.m., meaning jetsetters can enjoy the afternoon watching Aruba’s unforgettable sunset. Saturday return flights will leave Aruba at 3:55 p.m. giving travelers the entire morning to enjoy a little oceanfront R&R before touching down in Fort Lauderdale at 6:00 p.m.

Bucuti Beach Resort is the recipient of Expedia’s prestigious Insider’s Select Award based on more than 300,000 qualified traveler reviews worldwide. The Insider’ Select list represents only 1 percent of all hotels offered on Expedia.com. Aruba Bucuti Beach Resort is the #1 rated resort in Aruba to receive this award and #15 of over 1000 resorts in the Caribbean region. This year Bucuti has also received the coveted “Traveler’s Choice Award’ from TripAdvisors, and the exalted ‘Golden Apple’ by Apple Vacations, all resulting from exceptional reviews by past guests. For more information please contact Susan Biemans at ph: (297) 583-1100 x103 or fax: (297) 582-5272. Email: susan@bucuti.com; susan@setarnet.aw or visit www.bucuti.com

The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba announced that its three-year, $15 million makeover program is nearing completion as a series of new upgrades were recently made to guestrooms (upgrades completed on 400 of 600 total guestrooms), meeting/special event areas and dining facilities. Originally launched in August 2005, the makeover program features a new marine theme, which permeates all aspects of the improvements being made throughout the property. For more information please contact: Steve Bennett at SBPR Corp., Travel + Lifestyle PR. Tel: 954-566-1522 or Cel: 305-213-8074. Email: steve@SBPRcorp.com

Aruba always offers warm weather, it’s a place where summer never ends and the ever-present trade winds guarantee perfect conditions for the Heineken Aruba Catamaran Regatta, unfolding on the island every year since 1990.

The event is organized by Dutchman Edwin Lodder, in collaboration with the Aruba Tourism Authority and Heineken-Aruba. The event is made possible thanks to the help of many sponsors, combining sailing, relaxation and social parties.

This year’s 17th edition of the regatta includes approximately 50 boats and it is now the biggest Catamaran event in the Caribbean. Participants come from a variety of European countries and also hail from Aruba. Generally speaking, the regatta welcomes participant from North and South America.

The event attracts sailors from many different countries, especially Europeans, excited to compete in a Caribbean warm-weather Catamaran event.

The regatta venue is approximately 4 miles North West of Oranjestad, on Palm Beach and is in an ideal location for good sailing with steady offshore winds.

In honor of the good work realized year after year by organizers and because the event represents water sports Aruba Post Aruba N.V. prepared a set of commemorative stamps with the sailing motive, celebrating the Heineken Aruba Catamaran Regatta. The artist is Elvis Tromp, and in his own words he gives a brief explanation of the stamps:

40c
Represents the catamarans set on the beach before the race. It's a beautiful seascape, the boats with their vibrant colors on the beautiful sugar white beaches of Aruba

80c & 130c
2 designs represents the different angles and views of the race. The stamps show the race as watched from the beach.

125C
This stamp shows a close up of a lady during a race.

This emission is available at the Postal Offices of Oranjestad, San Nicolas, Santa Cruz and Port of Call starting on November 8, 2007 until November 7, 2008 for all our clients that would like to have this special issue.

These stamps can be ordered as well via e-mail: philatelic@postaruba.com

Top two tied on points with one race to go

After a lay day, the Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2007 continued with an eventful fourth day. Awesome racing, capsizes and collisions resulted in a very close battle for victory. Wouter Samama and Sam Frank (NED) came back with a bullet and third, which lifted them to the leading position after nine races. They are tied on points with Eduard Zanen and Mischa Heemskerk (NED), who had an OCS in the last race. Gunnar Larsen and Bastiaan Tentij (NED) dropped to the third place overall, despite their good recovery from capsizing at the beginning of the long distance race this morning. The spontaneous teamwork of several sailors on repairing a damaged hull showed the good atmosphere among the fleet. Due to these joined forces, James and Gillian Power could continue the regatta.

Zwitserleven long distance race 8 – Tricky racing

After organiser Edwin Lodder warned the sailors for ‘upcoming submarines’ and ‘low flying airplanes’, all 45 competing teams were ready for this year’s long distance race. They first had to sail a sausage, followed by a long reach to Hebo Beach where they headed further south to Barcadera Reef and Palm Island. After rounding the mark, they had to hoist the spinnaker for a tricky downwind run in the lagoon, followed by another extensive reach to Palm Beach and up and down a mark close to the light house. The wind was shifty and puffy, which made it hard sheeting for the crews. Gunnar Larsen and Bastiaan Tentij had a good start and were about third at the first mark, but they capsized on the run. Larsen: “We set up for a gibe, but I stuck the tiller extension in Bastiaan’s trapeze hook. At that moment we got a gust and I could not bear away, so we were lost.” The boys broke four battens, but continued racing.

Meanwhile Wouter Samama and Sam Frank rounded the bottom mark in third position, just behind Pols/Veenstra. Samama: “We saw William Sunnucks going low with lots of pressure, so we decided to steer low as well. Other boats around us stayed higher towards the island. After a while, William tacked away and we carried on. We were leading at one stage, but we tacked a little bit too early, so Xander Pols was first to enter the lagoon.” Both crews hoisted the spinnaker, but Samama/Frank managed to grab the lead. Samama: “We stayed as low as possible, in order to keep the pressure. Mischa and Xander run out of wind under the lee of the island and we got the puff first and kept it for about 300 meters. That is where we pulled away from them and we extended our lead on the reach.” They finished as first F18 behind the Tornado of Danielle and David Pitmann (GBR). Pitmann: “We had just enough margin with the rest of the group. On the reach back to the north, Danielle had to repair her trapeze, so I kept on asking her to please come out any time today.”

Just never give up

Larsen and Tentij took a huge risk to gain the most, by going over the reef on the run back to Hebo Beach. Larsen: “I definitely wanted to get to the front, so we pulled the dagger boards up and avoided the rocks.” By doing so, he overtook Stuart Gummer inside of the reef and finished fifth. James and Gillian Power got involved in a collision, which resulted in a big hole in the stern of their right hull. They started to dismantle the boat on the beach, because they thought it was over for this year. But Simon Farren, Mischa Heemskerk and Eduard Zanen joined forces and got out the repair box. Within 1,5 hour, the job was done and Heemskerk changed the name into ‘Clapricorn’. The crowd applauded and the British were back in the race.

Setar Race 9 – Downwind speed pays

After the starting gun of race 9, the flag for ‘individual recall’ was hoisted. Zanen and Heemskerk were early and tacked just before Gummer/Bogaards, who were early as well. A collision could not be avoided and Zanen/Heemskerk broke their spinnaker pole. Gummer returned to the line, but rounded the pin end at the wrong side. That destroyed his good recovery. He worked his way through the fleet to a fourth position, but that became an OCS due to the wrong start. The front runners showed some close racing again. Pols/Veenstra leaded them in three laps. Pols: “Gunnar was chasing us. We were a bit quicker upwind and he was faster downwind, but he gained more than we did. He got us in the third downwind. But I am very satisfied with our performance, since we are the heaviest team and the wind had dropped to force 3 to 4.”

Learning by doing

The Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is not only a playground for cracks, but definitely also for less experienced sailors. A week of racing helps them improving their skills pretty quickly. Miriam Winterink, Vladimir Voute and Paul Stoetzer (all NED) teamed up on their Nacra Inter 18 and decided to enter the class for slower catamarans. Voute: “On Saturday we sailed off for the practise race and capsized within 5 minutes, so we chose the smaller class in order to learn faster. We race without spinnaker, but it is great to watch the big boys.” On their lay day, Menno Vercouteren gave them a private lesson. Winterink: “That was fantastic. We are practising now. Today, we finished second twice, so we are getting there.” Voute: “And we really enjoy ourselves.” The trio is in sixth position overall. Manfred Thomasch and Henk Hankart (AUT) still lead the small class of slower catamarans.

In the evening, competitors and their families will enjoy the food at the beach party of Holiday Inn. And tomorrow, there is one more race to decide who will be the 2007 winners.

Top five fast catamarans after 9 races and two discards:
1. NED - Samama/Frank, F18 Hobie Tiger, 16 points
2. NED – Zanen/Heemskerk, F18 Nacra Infusion, 16 points
3. NED – Larsen/Tentij, F18 Nacra Infusion, 17 points
4. NED – Pols/Veenstra, F18 Nacra Infusion, 24 points
5. GBR – Gummer/Bogaards, F18 Capricorn, 28 points

Top three slower catamarans after 9 races and two discards:
1. AUT – Thomasch/Hankart, Dart 18, 6 points
2. ARU – Grijpma/Ren, Sil & Mark, Prindle 19, 16 points
3. ARU – Valize/Hoek, 27 points

In addition to title sponsors Heineken and the Aruba Tourism Authority, the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is also sponsored by Hapag Lloyd, TNG Swiss Watches, KLM, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Yamaha, Patria, Young Improvement, Magic Marine, Coca Cola, AWA, Anthony Veder & Co, Aruba Watersports Center, Colgate, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Absolute Real Estate and Aruba Aloe.

On Monday November 12th, Dutchmen Eduard Zanen and Mischa Heemskerk took over the lead of the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta. Former leaders Wouter Samama and Sam Frank (NED) had a troublesome day with two capsizes and a nearly collision with a boat out of control. They dropped to the fourth position overall. Gunnar Larsen and Bastiaan Tentij (NED) climbed to a second overall, followed by Gummer/Bogaards (GBR). Manfred Thomasch en Henk Hankart (AUT) are still leading the fleet of slower cats. It was an exhausting and tough day for the 45 competing teams, as the wind gusted up to sometimes 25 knots. Two out of three races had a big reach. The sailors enjoyed the exciting competition and the Pelican Pier Party afterwards.

Coca Cola Race 5 – “Racing is similar to the F18 Europeans”

“It was windy”, was Gunnar Larsen’s first reaction back on the Palm Beach. “The level of racing is similar to the F18 Europeans. It is really close and tough.” Larsen and Tentij (NED) changed positions with James and Gillian Power (GBR) all the time. Power: “Xander Pols was actually leading at the first upwind mark, followed by Gunnar and us. I think it was the second downwind that Xander lost a bit. Mischa and Eduard caught up on us, but we were battling with Gunnar and Bastiaan.” On the last beat, the Power’s chose the right side of the course, whereas Gunnar and Mischa both went left. Power: “We had a favourable shift and got ahead of them. We saw pressure on the left and gibed after the hoist. As we got into it, the gust suddenly disappeared. Gunnar saw that and carried on to the right and won. It was so close. It could have been anyone’s race.” Gunnar Larsen explained his strategy: “We go for the edges, but we stay safe. We try not to push over the limit. We consolidated during the race and grabbed our chance on the last lap. But I have deeply respect for Gillian Power. She holds on in changing positions at 25 knots.”

Aruba Aloe Race 6 – Good counting makes a difference

Some black clouds and rain preceded the first race in the afternoon. The race committee decided it was time to train the reach, so the fleet sailed a triangle course with two sausages (one for the slower cats). That was a challenge with the strong gusts up to 20-25 knots, but the teams hang on surprisingly well. Zanen and Heemskerk were smoking, with Larsen and Tentij in their wake. Pols and Veenstra followed in third position. Wouter Samama: “We gained a spot in the gate and were just behind Xander. He was quicker upwind and we on the run.” The two front runners had a big lead, as they passed the finish line for another lap. They miscounted and so did Xander Pols, but he noticed it in time and quickly turned around. Samama and Frank took the bullet, followed by Stuart Gummer. Samama: “Finally we had some luck.” Mischa Heemskerk with a smile: “That was very kind of us, wasn’t it.”

Palm Tours Race 7 – “Awesome racing”

While rigging down the sails, Gunnar Larsen and Mischa Heemskerk joked about their last race. The two Nacra Infusions had a very close battle on the downwind run. Larsen to Heemskerk’s skipper Eduard Zanen: “In case you would have looked around, you would have seen our spinnaker pole.” They had a gibe duel, which was won by Zanen/Heemskerk. On the second downwind run, Stuart Gummer (GBR) caught up on Larsen/Tentij. Gummer: “I heard they were match racing with James and Gillian, which probably helped us.” After a good start, Gummer got tangled up by a Tornado just after rounding the first mark, but he managed to catch up on the run. Gummer: “Richard Allen was just before us on the reach and we overtook him. In the second beat, we tacked away to the left and gained on the front runners.” On the final reach and run, he chased Zanen/Heemskerk, who stayed ahead. Heemskerk: “We covered on Gummer on the last lap towards the finish and won. The competition is just great. You can not allow yourself any mistakes.” Zanen: “It is different from other years. It is such a competitive fleet.” Gummer was almost speechless: “It was an awesome last race.”

One happy family Grijpma

The small fleet of slower catamarans (8 entries) includes two boats crewed by the Grijpma family. The brothers Sil (10) and Rens (12) teamed up with their dad Rob on the Prindle 19. Their sister Frederique (16) crews for her mom Francis on a Dart 18. Sil, while waiting for the beach shower: “The reaching was very fast. We nearly nose dived a couple of times. I did not dare to go on the wire and my dad said we shouldn’t do that.” The ‘boys’ crew is in second position overall after seven races. Frederique had a hard day, as they capsized twice: “But I do like it very much. We never sailed together before this event and we are learning so fast now.” At the moment, the ‘girls’ team is fourth overall.

Top five fast catamarans after 7 races and one discard:
1. NED – Zanen/Heemskerk, F18 Nacra Infusion, 14 points
2. NED – Larsen/Tentij, F18 Nacra Infusion, 17 points
3. GBR/NED – Gummer/Bogaards, F18 Capricorn, 22 points
4. NED - Samama/Frank, F18 Hobie Tiger, 22.7 points
5. NED – Pols/Veenstra, F18 Nacra Infusion, 36 points

Top three small cats after 7 races and one discard:
1. AUT – Thomasch/Hankart, Dart 18, 6 points
2. ARU – Grijpma/Ren, Sil & Mark, Prindle 19, 13 points
3. ARU – Valize/Hoek, Prindle 16, 24 points

Tuesday November 13th will be a lay day for the competitors, who will have the time to recover from the spectecular sailing and to enjoy the island of Aruba.

In addition to title sponsors Heineken and the Aruba Tourism Authority, the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is also sponsored by Hapag Lloyd, TNG Swiss Watches, KLM, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Yamaha, Patria, Young Improvement, Magic Marine, Coca Cola, AWA, Anthony Veder & Co, Aruba Watersports Center, Colgate, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Aruba Real Estate and Aruba Aloe.

Just-married couples can get their marriage off to a great start with the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives’ 2008 Honeymoon Packages. Filled with romance, relaxation and fun, everything is included with these packages, from accommodations and a choice of ten dining outlets to non-motorized water sports, leaving honeymooners only to decide how to best spend their days and nights together!

The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba 2008 all inclusive Honeymoon Packages offer:
- Accommodations for two with a spacious patio or balcony (Guaranteed preferred Deluxe Oceanfront Mega room with king-sized bed at Tamarijn Aruba or Oceanview or Beachside room with king- or queen-sized bed at Divi Aruba)
- Candlelight Dinner for two at the oceanfront Sunset Beach Bistro including a glass of wine and round-trip transportation from the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba.
- Bottle of champagne
- Free night first anniversary certificate
- Remembrance gift

In addition to specific package features, honeymooners staying at either the Divi Aruba or the adjacent, recently updated, oceanfront Tamarijn Aruba have use of all facilities and services of both properties. The packages are value-added with prices based on seasonal nightly rates and are available year-round.

All stays at the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba include all meals and snacks at a choice of ten dining outlets (surcharge applies and reservations required at Windows on Aruba, located at The Links at Divi Aruba adjacent to the resort), unlimited beverages at seven bars and the use of three freshwater pools. In addition, all guests may use the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features an air-conditioned oceanfront fitness center with the latest strength and cardiovascular equipment as well as a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach. The Divi Winds Sports Center also boasts non-motorized water sports including snorkeling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour, sunfish sailing, floats, kayaks, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic. Tennis on courts lighted for night play, beach volleyball, beach Olympics, bikes and bike tour, casino games master class, arts & crafts, dance lessons, beach soccer, billiards, board games, darts, basketball, Papiamento lessons, entertainment nightly, theme nights, tickets to Bon Bini Festival (seasonal), Funbook! with coupons for the adjacent Alhambra Casino, tax and service charges are further all part of what guests receive at Divi & Tamarijn Aruba.

Just steps away, The Links at Divi Aruba is an optional amenity that offers discounted green fees and premium tee times to guests of the resorts. The 9-hole course features an on-site golf school and clubhouse with pro shop. Another optional amenity, the Indulgence by the Sea spa, features pampering treatments from massages to facials to body scrubs. In addition, an air-conditioned 24-hour Internet Lounge featuring twelve computer stations with high-speed Internet access (for an additional fee) is located in the lobby of the Tamarijn Aruba.

For those who want to see the Island, the concierge desks at both properties can make arrangements for various off-property trips from downtown shopping excursions or restaurant reservations to catamaran cruises and more.

Family, Golf, Wedding and Dive Packages are also available. Rates, features and facilities are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply and no refunds will be given for unused features. Honeymoon stays must commence within 30 days of the wedding and a copy of marriage certificate or wedding invitation may be required at hotel check-in.

For reservations and more information, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-554-2008, 207-594-7888 or visit the resorts’ websites at www.diviaruba.com or www.tamarijnaruba.com

Perfect for families who want a fantastic vacation deal, the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive 2008 Family Package offers great value and fun in a kid-friendly atmosphere. The Family Package allows as many as 2 children up to age 18 to stay, play and eat ALL INCLUSIVE at no additional cost year-round when sharing a room with two paying adults.

As part of the Family Package, kids ages 5 – 12 can participate in a children’s camp with plenty of entertaining activities to keep them busy, such as Papiamento lessons, t-shirt and face painting, pool and beach games, scavenger hunt, snorkel and tennis clinics, basketball, movies, soccer tournament, bingo, arts and crafts, snacks and more. Also, families can choose the Tamarijn Aruba’s Mega Family Room option to add on a second separate room for a maximum of 4 children up to age 18 at a special discount rate.

Now offering ten dining options, a stay at the recently updated Tamarijn Aruba includes, air-conditioned, oceanfront accommodations in two-story buildings each with a patio or balcony, color satellite television, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, mini-fridge and telephone. Located just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad, this oceanfront, low-rise resort is set on beautiful Druif Beach with a shopping arcade and the Alhambra Casino nearby. Readers of Caribbean Travel & Life magazine named Tamarijn Aruba as one of the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Guests staying at the Tamarijn Aruba also have use of all facilities and services at the Divi Aruba All Inclusive, located next door. All stays at the Tamarijn Aruba include all meals and snacks at a choice of ten dining outlets (surcharge applies and reservations required at Windows on Aruba, located at The Links at Divi Aruba adjacent to the resort), unlimited beverages at seven bars and the use of three freshwater pools. In addition, all guests may use the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features an air-conditioned, oceanfront fitness center with the latest strength and cardiovascular equipment as well as a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach. The Divi Winds Sports Center also boasts non-motorized water sports including snorkeling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour, sunfish sailing, floats, kayaks, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic. Tennis on courts lighted for night play, beach volleyball, beach olympics, bikes and bike tour, casino games master class, arts & crafts, dance lessons, beach soccer, billiards, board games, darts, basketball, Papiamento lessons, entertainment nightly, theme nights, ticket to Bon Bini Festival (seasonal), Funbook! with coupons for the adjacent Alhambra Casino, tax and service charges are further all part of what guests receive at the Tamarijn Aruba.

Just steps away, The Links at Divi Aruba is an optional amenity that offers discounted green fees and premium tee times to guests of the resort. The 9-hole course features an on-site golf school and clubhouse with pro shop. Another optional amenity, the Indulgence by the Sea spa, features pampering treatments from massages to facials to body scrubs. In addition, an air-conditioned 24-hour Internet Lounge featuring twelve computer stations with high-speed Internet access (for additional fee) is located in the lobby of the Tamarijn Aruba.

For those who want to see the Island, the concierge desk can make arrangements for various off-property trips from downtown shopping excursions or restaurant reservations to catamaran cruises and more.

Golf, Wedding, Honeymoon and Dive packages are also available. Rates, features and facilities are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply and no refunds will be given for unused features.

For reservations and more information, contact your travel professional, call 1-800-554-2008, 207-594-7888 or visit the resort’s website www.tamarijnaruba.com

Despite their unlucky start of the second day, Dutchmen Wouter Samama and Sam Frank still lead the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta. They were forced to tack only a few seconds before the signal, although they were on starboard tack, and got stuck in the anchor line of the starting vessel. The jury gave them redress for the missed race. They took revenge by finishing second in the afternoon. It was again a tough day out on the water, resulting in many capsizes. The island’s sail maker will work overtime tonight. But the 45 competing teams had a challenging day with spectacular catamaran sailing on the Caribbean Sea. The offshore trade wind of about force 5 tired them out, but the Heineken beer made all good.

Young Improvement Race 3 – Larsen/Tentij slip through

Today’s first race was a wild and long one (5 laps for fast cats and 4 for slower cats), which resulted in many capsizes around the course. The action was full on. It already started on the starting line, where team Noordzij/Alards parked their Capricorn right on top of Zanen/Heemskerk and Samama/Frank. Jury Hans Kieft (NED) explained the rest of the story: “It all happened a few seconds before the signal. Ad Noordzij thought he was early and tacked. Mischa had to do the same in order to stay free. Wouter Samama was on starboard tack next to the starting vessel and had no choice, but tacking with the other two. He got stuck in the anchor line and jumped on the starting vessel to free his boat. Their rudders were tied.” Crew Sam Frank sailed away and capsized. Kieft: “Ad got disqualified and Wouter received a redress.”

Meanwhile, the front runners widened the gap with the rest of the fleet. Xander Pols and Tjiddo Veenstra had a big lead, but 2005 winner Stuart Gummer (GBR) came closer and closer. Gummer, sailing a F18 Capricorn: “We had a clean start and settled. On the first downwind, we gibed at the right time and did not over stand the mark. That is where James Power for example capsized and Xander lost some of his lead. At the third gate, we were not sure how many laps we had to do, so we took the left buoy and headed for the finish line. That is where we gained the most. We went the first bit to the right, which was the side to be at that moment. Then we tacked to the left and gained on the boats left from us.” Pols and Veenstra were still leading in the last downwind. Both Pols and Gummer went to the right, whereas Larsen/Tentij tried their luck at the left. Tentij: “Gunnar saw a shift with more pressure on the left side.” Gummer overtook Pols, but Larsen slipped through in the gate and took the bullet. He won despite the 360 penalty he had to take, because of a small collision with Gummer at a mark rounding. Pols finished third: “Gunnar is the smiling third person. He had to do something, but for us it is a bit frustrating.” Father Rob and son Michel van Zandvoort enjoyed the strong wind very much and steered their Topcat 18 K1 to victory in the slower class.

Heineken Race 4 – Hard work and right side pay

After lunch, the wind had dropped only a little bit, so the gusts could still be challenging. The teams that started at the pin end side of the line, got it right. Larsen and Tentij rounded the upwind mark in first position, but lost ground in the second beat. The wind had shifted and this time it paid to go to the right. Gummer took the lead, after coming back from maybe an eighth position. He went far to the right, got the shift and sneaked to the front. Zanen and Heemskerk were in his wake for another lap. In the next upwind, they went further right than Gummer and took the lead and extended it on the last downwind run. Eduard Zanen: “We had an average start and it was hard work for Mischa. It is difficult to find my shape again. I don’t sail enough, but here I am learning every day. Hopefully I will soon make less mistakes to relieve Mischa.” On the last downwind, Samama and Frank pushed hard and Gummer played the game, but the Dutchmen got him just before the spinnaker drop. Manfred Thomasch and Henk Hankart took their third bullet in the slower class.

Colgate wins the VIP-Race

“It was awesome”, said Monique Bouwer, this year’s winner of the VIP-race. She crewed for Mischa Heemskerk. Bouwer: “When I jumped on the trampoline, I told him I already had two drinks. He said he wanted to win the race, so I promised him to do my best. First he explained everything and it was all very relaxed. During the race, we even grabbed a beer from a spectator boat.” Julia Renfro from Aruba Today also had a big smile on her face. She helmed on a Nacra Infusion with crew Simon Farren. Renfro hardly had enough words to express her enthusiasm: “I had the time of my life. I think it was my first time on a F18, but it was excellent. It is a really nice boat. We had a good start and Simon did a fantastic job. I was just steering.” They finished second.

Top five fast catamarans after 4 races:
1. NED - Samama/Frank, F18 Hobie Tiger, 9,3 points
2. NED – Zanen/Heemskerk, F18 Nacra Infusion, 10 points
3. NED – Larsen/Tentij, F18 Nacra Infusion, 13 points
4. GBR – Gummer/Bogaards, F18 Capricorn, 22 points
5. NED – Pols/Veenstra, F18 Nacra Infusion, 23 points

Top three small cats after 4 races:
1. AUT – Thomasch/Hankart, Dart 18, 5 points
2. NED – Van Zandvoort/Van Zandvoort, Topcat 18 K1, 11 points
3. NED – Grijpma/Grijpma/Ren, Sil & Mark, Prindle 19, 12 points

In addition to title sponsors Heineken and the Aruba Tourism Authority, the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is also sponsored by Hapag Lloyd, TNG Swiss Watches, KLM, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Yamaha, Patria, Young Improvement, Magic Marine, Coca Cola, AWA, Anthony Veder & Co, Aruba Watersports Center, Colgate, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Aruba Real Estate and Aruba Aloe.

The first day of the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta showed tough racing. Not only in terms of sailing conditions, but the competition was also full on. The shifty and gusty wind challenged the 45 competing teams, representing five countries. The Dutchmen Wouter Samama and Sam Frank, sailing a F18 Hobie Tiger, lead the fleet. They are tied on points with their fellow countrymen Eduard Zanen and Mischa Heemskerk on a F18 Nacra Infusion. Gunnar Larsen and Bastiaan Tentij are in third position, also tied on points with James and Gillian Power (GBR).

This morning, the sailors were welcomed by a strong trade wind force five. That was exactly what most competitors were hoping for. They enjoyed the tropical conditions and participated in the practise race. Others decided to save their equipment and body. They stayed ashore, which was maybe not a bad idea, as the first damages were a fact. After a lunch break, the official regatta started off with the first race. Meanwhile, the unstable wind had dropped to force three/four.

ArubaColgate Race 1 – Zanen/Heemskerk take first bullet

Although Richard Allen (GBR) has not sailed a catamaran since last year’s Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta, he and his crew Ellen Foreshaw smoked off the starting line. They were in the lead most of the race. Foreshaw: “We tried to cover, but people went both sides.” Their F18 Capricorn was chased by Eduard Zanen and Mischa Heemskerk (NED). Allen: “In the last beat Mischa went hard left and we stayed in the middle to cover. At the windward mark, we were neck and neck, but they are quicker on the downwind run.” Allen and Foreshaw finished third. “We are really pleased with that result”, said Allen satisfied. Mischa Heemskerk, current F18 European Champion, climbed from the third to the leading position: “We played the shifts and gusts very well. You must keep your eyes open constantly, in order to stay in the wind paths.” Zanen and Heemskerk took this year’s first bullet, followed by Xander Pols and Tjiddo Veenstra, sailing a F18 Nacra Infusion.

Absolute Real Estate Race 2 – Samama/Frank win in shifty conditions

The second race showed a new leader for a while. 2001 winner Williams Sunnucks and his crew Simon Farren pushed their Nacra Infusion hard. A knot holding the trapeze hook stopped them, as Farren fell off the boat in the second beat. That made them dropping back to a fifth position. Sunnucks: “We had bad luck, but our speed is good.” It was hard to get the tactics right, as the wind was so unstable. The gains and losses were big and the teams struggled to find the right side of the course. Mischa Heemskerk: “We had a difficult start and tacked away. Then we had a brilliant shift to the left, so we sailed straight to the mark, but unfortunately the wind dropped. The group left from us kept the pressure and we were eighth at the windward mark. In the last beat we should have sailed 40 meters further, which Wouter Samama did. He stayed in the pressure, whereas we had to battle with others around us. I think we finished fourth.”

Wouter Samama and Sam Frank took the lead and the bullet. The last two years, Frank crewed for Rob Sprij on the Hobie 16 with spinnaker. They became fifth at the ISAF Youth Worlds 2007, but they split up after the season. Frank decided to team with Samama. Frank about today’s racing: “The amount of shifts was just crazy. We battled with Gunnar Larsen, but we got him on the last beat. Although I must make more hours on this cat, I really enjoy it. Especially in this sailors' heaven.” The Dutchmen Larsen/Tentij finished second, followed by the British Power/Power.

In the fleet with a handicap higher than 105 (8 entries), Manfred Thomasch (AUT) won both races.

There are two races scheduled for Sunday November 11. Ten boats will carry a tracking & tracing device, which will enable to display their positions on a big screen on the beach and on http://www.arubaregatta.com/. The website also offers daily video reports and images.

Top five fast catamarans after 2 races:
1. NED - Samama/Frank, F18 Hobie Tiger, 5 points
2. NED – Zanen/Heemskerk, F18 Nacra Infusion, 5 points
3. NED – Larsen/Tentij, F18 Nacra Infusion, 8 points
4. GBR – Power/Power, F18 Capricorn, 8 points
5. GBR – Allen/Foreshaw, F18 Capricorn, 9 points

Top three small cats after 2 races:
1. AUT – Thomasch, Dart 18, 2 points
2. NED – Van Zandvoort/Van Zandvoort, Topcat 18 K1, 6 points
3. NED – Van Baaren/Grijpma, Dart 18, 7 points

In addition to main sponsors Heineken and the Aruba Tourism Authority, the 17th Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta is also sponsored by Hapag Lloyd, TNG Swiss Watches, KLM, Holiday Inn, Does & Cadushi, Yamaha, Patria, Young Improvement, Magic Marine, Coca Cola, AWA, Anthony Veder & Co, Aruba Watersports Center, Colgate, Palm Tours, Pelican Watersports, Seaworld Explorer, Aruba Real Estate and Aruba Aloe.