Kid Creole in Scheveningen

Plus a significant growth of competitors expected at this year's Delta Lloyd Regatta

In 2010 the Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta in The Hague will expand dramatically. Due to the addition of Olympic and Paralympic sailors, the organisers are expecting a growth of about 200 boats.

Both the Laser Euro Cup (Standard and Radial) as well as the 470 class are part of this year's event. The Paralympic 2.4mR will also makes it debut in the Scheveningen event. Apart from all the yachting activities, the organisation and title sponsor Delta Lloyd will spare no effort to offer an unforgettable music experience.

"We have never had such a big increase in participants before", says organiser Frans Sluyters (NED). Over the Whitsun Weekend of 21-24 May about 150 Lasers are expected to line up for the start. They will have their own course, bringing the total number of race courses up to six. "We also count on many foreign 470 teams, as the 470 Worlds will be held in Scheveningen in July. The 2.4mR class is open to disabled and able-bodied competitors." Only the International 14 fleet won't be there, compared to 2009.

Former Norfolk Harbour

Despite the recession, the big boats are once again setting a course for Scheveningen again. Sluyters: "This class suffers more from the economical crisis. However, we have heard about quite a few Swans that will enter the regatta. This year, we expect a total of 700-800 entries and 300 volunteers, which means we belong to the biggest sailing events in Europe." In order to create enough room for everybody, the former Norfolk Harbour will be equipped with permanent jetties.

Harbour concert

In addition to the usual activities as treasure-hunting and a regatta village, the music festival will be boosted. The Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta opens traditionally with a major act on the Friday evening and this year, it is the 1980s American group Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

Sluyters: "It is an honour to welcome them in Scheveningen. We will conclude the evening with a tribute to the Blues Brothers, which is another great performance." This will be for a private sailors' party, whereas Delta Lloyd will introduce an open large-scale Harbour Concert on the Saturday. Sluyters: "Amsterdam has its Prinsengracht Concert and The Hague will now have its Harbour Concert. We can host 20.000 people. Further details will be unveiled by Delta Lloyd."

About the Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta

On Tuesday 11 May will be the start of the 110-mile Vuurschepenrace from Scheveningen to Harwich. This is the first race of the Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta. After a lay day in Harwich, the IRC and ORC classes sail the RORC North Sea Race back to Scheveningen on Friday 14 May. Then over 21-24 May more than 700 boats will compete in the inshore races off Scheveningen, in several disciplines - big yachts, Olympic classes, catamarans, open boats and surfers.