Since 2005 the name of this sailing event is Holland
Regatta. In 2004 we said goodbye to our twenty year long main
sponsor SPA, who had given the name SPA Regatta. The first
Dutch regatta took place in 1985, and through the years became
one of world's best Olympic Sailing regatta's with over 1.100
participants from more than 50 countries.
After twenty successful editions of the SPA Regatta, there
are many highlights to look back on. The Holland Regatta is
well-known for various introduced innovations that were
subsequently adopted by the International Sailing Federation
(ISAF, formally known as the IYRU). Examples are: separate
classes for women (470 and Mistral); prize money; shorter
courses that resulted in more races; coloured spots to
identify leading competitors.
1985
In the first edition of the SPA Regatta the surfboard class
Division II (M) was introduced as an Olympic class. The
Division II (M) succeeded the Wind glider, the first
surfboard to make its debut on the 1984 Olympics.
The Soling Class could not compete in the first SPA Regatta,
due to the European Championships which took place in the
same weekend.
1986
The 1986 SPA Regatta introduced separate fleets for men and
women in the 470 class.
1987
In 1987, the SPA Regatta Organisation introduced separate
fleets for men and woman in the surfboard class Division II.
The ISAF and IOC adopted the decision of SPA Regatta
Organisation in the 1992 Olympics, when they too separated
the fleets into men and women.
1988
In 1998, the ISAF appointed the Lechner (Surfboard Class) as
the next Olympic Surfboard.
1989
The Europe made its debut at the 1989 SPA Regatta. It wasn't
until the 1992 Olympics, that the ISAF decided to enter, the
Europe Class as a new sailing discipline.
1993
The Lechner surfboard class was replaced by the Mistral One
Design (Men and Women). The Flying Dutchman would not
participate in the SPA Regatta 1993, because the ISAF no
longer perceive it as an Olympic class.
1997
In 1997, the 49-er (High Performance Skiff) was introduced
to the SPA Regatta program. Three years later, in 2000, the
49-er would experience its first Olympic challenge.
The Star (Double Handed Keelboat) was excluded from the SPA
Regatta program after the ISAF had decided in 1996, that it
no longer had the classification of an Olympic class. The
ISAF recalled that decision after this SPA Regatta and
reinstated the Start to the status of Olympic Class. It is
the oldest Olympic Class and has been in the Olympic
programme since 1932.
1998
In 1998, the Star class returned to the SPA Regatta program.
2000
Because it was an Olympic year, there weren't any
significant changes in SPA Regatta of 2000. However the SPA
Regatta 2000 will remain a memorable year due to the
terrible Dutch weather during the event!
2001
In 2001, matchracing and Soling were no longer part of the
SPA Regatta program. Instead, a brand new class was
introduced: the Yngling!
Also, the Tornado became more spectacular, with double
trapeze and more sail surface.
2002
Co-sponsor Armada Security introduced a tracking & tracing
system to Olympic sailing. The Yngling was the first Olympic
class ever that could be followed on television screens on
shore and on the computer, through the internet. Also, a
sms-system was introduced. People could subscribe on the SPA
Regatta website and receive a sms with the latest results.
2003
Due to the success of the evening race for 'Champions
Trophy', it remained in the programme.
2004
After twenty years, SPA decided to sail a different course
in their marketing strategy. After the prize-giving ceremony
on Sunday 30 May 2004, Henri G C van der Aat, Chairman of
Organising Committee, thanked Spadel for their long-time
commitment.
For more information please browse around.
