The 24-hour sailing race is one of the largest races in the Netherlands. More than 400 boats start from different starting points, to all finish in Medemblik a day later. Several thousand competitive and touring sailors participate in the ’24 Hours’. The event attracts many visitors to Medemblik every year.
The point of discussion is an amount of 4,000 euros in demurrage for the ships. That amount is taxed because the hundreds of boats use the port in Medemblik. Previously, this was made available by the municipality, but now that the port service has been privatized, this will be borne by the organization. In addition, there is still disagreement about an invoice of 2,000 euros for coffee and cookies.
‘Participant numbers at risk’
“We are a volunteer organization,” says chairman Klaas Jan Kroon. “This amount takes up a quarter of our budget. Passing on the costs to the participants? Participation has become more expensive in recent years because safety requirements have become higher. If you increase another 10 percent, your number of participants will be at risk. The image that Sailing is only for the elite is outdated.”
Kroon acknowledges that discussions with the municipality are difficult. Last Wednesday he sat at the table with councilor Gerben Gringhuis. “A foggy conversation,” he calls it.
In previous years the organization received a subsidy, which must now be applied for again. “But we don’t know whether we will get it,” says Kroon. “That makes it difficult for us, because we cannot take any risks financially and have a strong need for clarity. Also for the coming years.”