VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

Dates of Event
Monday, 2 August 2010 - Training (optional)
Tuesday, 3 August 2010 - 1st Round (3 races)
Wednesday, 4 August 2010 - 2nd Round (3 races)
Thursday, 5 August 2010 - 3rd Round (3 races)
Friday, 6 August 2010 - Finals 
 

Venue
Maas Lakes near Roermond, NL Watersportschool Frissen, Hatenboer 57, 6041 TN Roermond, NL   The Maas Lakes district is a rambling lakeland area situated in the heart of the Limburg province of the Netherlands, perfect for holiday and recreational activities.  The countless lakes are a beloved destination for friends of watersports and nature alike.  The Maas Lakes district offers a wide range of possibilities for the modern water and nature lover: modern marinas, surfing and bathing beaches, fantastic fishing spots, and inviting coastal camping grounds. 
 

Transportation 
The Maas Lakes district is located approximately 90 km from the city centre of Cologne. Three daily shuttle buses will travel from the city centre of Cologne to the Regatta lake in Roermond (approximately 1hr journey).
Those travelling individually by car will find sufficient parking at the venue.
 

Categories and Divisions of Competition
Two divisions of competitions will be offered: an Competitive division (for those with competitive Regatta/Sailing experience) and a Recreational division; the Sailing Organizing Committee reserves the right after the training day, to classify and categorize sailors as they see fit.
The preliminary rounds will consist of three races. The 10 best of each round will move on to the final also consisting of three races. Valk boats, without spinnakers, will be used for the Regatta, each being crewed by a team of three. 

Participation
Each round is limited to 20 competition boats of equal size and performance. Therefore a registration limit of 60 boats and 180 athletes has been set. At the time of registration, each crew must register their Skipper separately; Skippers must hold a valid sailing license* or prove they have adequate racing experience.

* A Valid Sailing License includes any skipper's license issued by a national sailing authority recognised by the ISAF.  
Those participating sailors wishing to make use of the shuttle bus service to Roermond, must pay 10 Euros for each round trip.

Those teams wishing to make use of the optional training day must pay a boat rental fee of 50 Euros and an additional shuttle bus service fee of 20 Euros round trip.

Rules
The Regatta will be raced under the rules of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), and the regulatory actions of the German Sailing Federation (DSV).  

Equipment
20 Valk sailing boats. The Valk is a Dutch national authorized sailing vessel, therefore approved for Regatta use by the ISAF. Life vests will be available for use.

For more information about the Valk, see http://www.ottenhomeheeg.nl/polyvalk.php?mode=view&id=63  

Services 
Carpark.
Food service available at the Dutch Sailing School
Restaurants in the harbour
Sanitary facilities and changing rooms available in the harbour
Regatta infrastructure presently exists at venue. 

First-Aid / Safety
First-aid and water rescue present: a) Dutch water rescue on duty b) rescue boats from the Brachelener Boating Club c) rescue boats from the Sailing Club, North-Rhine Westfalia.
 

Tickets 
Entrance to Regattas is free for all spectators. Those spectators not arriving by car may make use of the shuttle bus service for a fee of 20 Euros round trip. The Regattas can be seen from all sides.

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