The Ronde om Texel race around Texel

The annual Ronde om Texel is the biggest catamaran race in the world and is a unique event. The world’s top professionals compete, as do many recreational sailors for whom participating and finishing is more important than winning. The concept of the Ronde om Texel race is simple: to sail clockwise around the island and to finish in the quickest time possible.
This annual event is not just something special for sailors. The sight of hundreds of boats on the water is an unprecedented spectacle. The beach provides an excellent view of the start and finish; competitors sail close to the coast at the lighthouse in the North; the dyke at Oudeschild harbour affords a fantastic view and at the ferry port, one can see the catamarans passing the Texel ferry. Texel beach is abuzz with activities during the week preceding the race. In 2010, the Ronde om Texel race will take place on Saturday 19 June.