| Spa Regatta since 1985
Since the first SPA Regatta in 1985, this Dutch event has become one of world’s best Olympic Sailing regatta’s with over 1500 participants from more than 50 countries. Back in the early eighties, SPA looked for an opportunity to transfer its image from a drink associated with illness to a drink placed in the leisure atmosphere and the sportive/free time surroundings. SPA decided to associate its natural products with the natural elements of sailing. That is why SPA decided to sponsor the Royal Dutch Watersport Union (KNWV), to become main sponsor of the Dutch Olympic Sailing Team and title sponsor of the new (to be created) event: SPA Regatta.
This sponsorship provided SPA with the best possible marketing tools to achieve the desired image transfer. The federation provided the necessary authority, the Olympic sailing team the desired quality-exposure and the SPA Regatta the yearly platform for action-marketing, hospitality management and a yearly climax of all sailing activities translated in an international event in which all Olympic-, World- and European- and national champions take part.
Some highlights
After seventeen successful editions of the SPA Regatta, there are many highlights to mention. The Olympic Sailing Regatta is well-known for the various introduced innovations that were subsequently taken over by the International Sailing Federation.
Examples are: separate classes for women (470, the Mistral and matchracing), matchracing (one-against-one), prize money, shorter courses resulting in more races and coloured spots to identify leading competitors.
Historical facts
1985
The first SPA Regatta! Already 400 participants in six different classes. In 1984 the Windglider was the first surfboard which had its debut in the Olympic Games. At the end of 1984 the IYRU (world sailing federation) decided that the Division II would be the sort of
sailboard for the 1988 Olympics. Stephan van den Berg (NED) was the first one who won a gold medal in the windsurfing class at the 1984 Olympic Regatta. The Soling Class couldn’t compete in the first SPA Regatta due to the European Championships that 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 organisation introduced separate fleets for men and women in the windsurfing class. With this decision the SPA Regatta was ahead on the IYRU and IOC decision to start in separate fleets at the 1992 Olympics.
1988
In the windsurfing class, Division II, the choice is being made: the Lechner will be the Olympic Surfboard in Pusan (Seoul)
1989
The Europe made its debut at the 1989 SPA Regatta. The IYRU decided that the Europe was going to be the new sailing discipline at the 1992 Olympic Games.
1992
This year Matchracing was introduced.
1993
1993 was a year of changes. The Lechner windsurfing class was replaced by the Mistral One Design, men and women. Also the Flying Dutchman is not returning at the 1993 SPA Regatta and will not longer be an Olympic Class. Instead the Laser was welcomed.
1994
A special edition. Spa Regatta celebrated its 10th edition.
1997
In 1997 the 49-er, a high performance double-handed skiff, was introduced in the SPA Regatta. The 49-er also participated at the 2000 Olympic Games. This year we said goodbye to the Star class, but not for long!
1998
In 1998 the Star, a double-handed keelboat, returned in the SPA Regatta. The Star is the oldest Olympic Class and is in the Olympic programme since 1932. Late 1997 the IOC and ISAF (International Sailing Federation) decided that the STAR had to return after one year of absence.
2000
Although 2000 was an Olympic year, there weren't any drastical changes in this year’s SPA Regatta. One thing is still fresh in our memory: the terrible Dutch weather during the SPA Regatta 2000!
2001
In 2001 we said goodbye to match racing and Soling. But instead we welcomed back a brand new class: the Yngling! The Tornado became more spectacular, with double trapeze and more sail
surface.
2002
Co-sponsor Armada Security introduced a tracking & tracing system in Olympic sailing. The Yngling was the first Olympic class ever that could be followed on television screens on shore.
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