Dart 18 Worlds 2025 - Fun Long Distance on 19 July

Kick of your Worlds with a fun long distance race – Rondje REM

All Dart 18 sailors that compete in the 2025 World Championship, are also invited to join the fun long distance race – Rondje REM

Rondje REM: A Legendary Watersport Event

For over 40 years, the Rondje REM has been a cornerstone in the sailing world. The event traces its roots back to 1977 when Bram Dijkshoorn of sailing school MIFUNE conceived a course from Parnassia around the REM Island—a former offshore TV station—and back, covering nearly 100 kilometers. This ambitious race was launched with support from the Bloemendaal Lifeguard Brigade and the Pall Mall Surf to Sailing Team. After the renowned Round Texel race, it became the largest sea race in the Netherlands. A few years later, the Watersportvereniging Zandvoort (WVZ) took over the organization.

_{Race along the Dutch coastline}

The race then evolved into a long-distance challenge starting from Zandvoort, sailing via Noordwijk to the REM Island, and returning. Following the removal of the REM Island, the NAM 22 buoy off the coast of Katwijk was chosen as the new turning point, giving rise to the name NAM-REM Race. Measured in a straight line, the race spans nearly 50 kilometers. However, since no sailboat can maintain a perfectly straight course, the actual sailing distance remains close to the original 100 kilometers. Given the unique nature of this race, where sailors venture up to 5 kilometers offshore, safety has always been paramount. The event wouldn’t be possible without the assistance and guidance of various KNRM stations and Lifeguard Brigades from Katwijk, Noordwijk, Bloemendaal, and Zandvoort. Additionally, the catamaran clubs of Noordwijk and Katwijk play a crucial role in monitoring the race routes from the shore.

At its peak, the race saw up to 100 catamarans at the starting line. Since 2022, the Rondje REM has expanded to include kitefoilers and wingfoilers, further enriching the watersport spectacle. The inaugural edition of this expanded event featured an impressive 26 kitefoilers and 14 wingfoilers at the start. Each discipline has its own designated distance and course.

Whether you’re eager to compete or prefer to cheer from the sidelines, the Rondje REM offers an exhilarating watersport experience for everyone!

Join Rondje REM ’25, register here

History Rem Eiland

The REM Island, an iconic structure with a rich history..

In the 1960s, the former offshore platform known as REM Island became the stage for controversial television broadcasts under the name RTV Noordzee. Situated in the North Sea, the island served as a transmission tower for broadcasts, complete with a studio where programs were recorded.

From REM Island, the legal Dutch broadcaster TROS eventually emerged. Interestingly, the name TROS was already in use during the initial broadcasts from REM Island.

At the time, REM Island symbolized youth culture, and the success of its broadcasts pressured the Dutch government to amend television legislation, paving the way for commercial television. It’s no exaggeration to say that REM eiland played a significant role in the history of the Dutch television industry.

Today, REM Island has been transformed into a restaurant in Amsterdam and is a popular attraction for tourists—a perfect spot to enjoy delightful food and drinks.

In short, REM Island is a unique structure with a rich history.

In 2024 aan de start

Catamarans

Kite foilers

Wingfoilers

Windfoilers

Register for Rondje REM now!

While you are in Zandvoort, would you like to participate in one of the classic long-distance races along the Dutch Coast? Don’t hesitate, as a Dart 18 Worlds participant, you register for free. Make sure to register in time and secure your spot at the starting line.