Official message Feb 16, 2010 time=22:40 Central European Time

Dear Monotype Friends

Today’s decision on the Monotype XV European Championship 2010. The venue chosen is the Netherlands, preliminary location Gouwzee.

-          Europe is covered in snow and more snow is forecasted.

-          Best ice available at Monnickendam (Gouwzee). We have some cracks but the area is more than sufficient for a good regatta.

-          Minimum thickness of the ice at Gouwzee is measured today: 16 cm.

-          No snow on the ice.

-          Possibility for changing location to other lakes in the Netherlands. Tomorrow, Dutch DN Championship is in the north of Holland.

-          The Weather forecast is changing positively every hour since yesterday night, but the weather is a concern as always.

 This is in our opinion the best decision for organizing the Championship. It is a hard call: the European circumstances are the most difficult we have ever encountered. We are not aware of any feasible alternatives.

Weather forecast shows temperatures close to freezing for coming week. The wind forecast will be more accurate the coming days.

 Please communicate this message to your sailors. More info to follow later.

 

Yours sincerely,

The Board of Monotype Nederland XV and its advisors. 

Ton van Berkel