The "Delta Lloyd" will be weighing anchor in the heart of Amsterdam.
The "Delta Lloyd" will be weighing anchor in the heart of Amsterdam. The approximately 20 metre-long yacht, two-times entrant in the prestigious round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race, was hoisted out of the water on Monday 26 October and transported that same evening from the port of IJmuiden to the stock exchange square (the "Beursplein"). There she will be set up in her full glory and the 31 metre-high mast will rise above the capital city for a whole week. The "Delta Lloyd" can be admired at close hand from Saturday 31 October up to and including Thursday 5 November 2009.
The boat (VO70-class) was the resounding winner of the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race. Last year, after a short period of preparation, she was once again entered, as the "Delta Lloyd", in the round-the-world yacht race. The "Delta Lloyd" is roughly 20 metres long and weighs (including the keel) approximately 14 tonnes. She reaches a top speed of 40 knots (approximately 72 km an hour).
The "Delta Lloyd" is being reunited in Amsterdam with two-times Volvo Ocean Race entrant Gerd-Jan Poortman, who is taking a group of prize winners on a tour of the yacht. During the week various activities are also being organised for the general public.
This means that they can have themselves photographed as stalwart helmsmen in force 10 gales and try out their sailing skills virtually in a simulator. By clocking up a good time they can get their hands on a scale model of the "Delta Lloyd" or win a guided tour of the yacht with Gerd-Jan Poortman.
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For further information:
Titia van Osch
Project Manager for Kumpany
Telephone: 06 51 25 96 05
E-mail: Titia@kumpany.nl
Eliza de Waard
Spokesperson for Delta Lloyd Group
Telephone: 020 594 4488
E-mail: cc@deltalloyd.nl
Notes to editors:
Spectacular transport
Transportation from the port of IJmuiden to the heart of Amsterdam required the precision of a military operation. First thing on Monday morning at high tide the mast and frame were removed. After that the yacht was hoisted out of the water using a 200-tonne crane and the rudders were dismantled. The yacht was transported rudderless in a high cradle, at which point the keel could be removed. Come the evening the yacht and associated paraphernalia were transported in three HGVs to Amsterdam, where in four days’ time, with the help of a 100-tonne crane, the "Delta Lloyd" will be reconstructed in her full glory in the stock market square (the "Beursplein").
About Delta Lloyd Group
Delta Lloyd Group is a financial service provider offering life insurance, damage insurance, asset management and banking products and services in its key markets in the Netherlands and Belgium trading primarily under the names Delta Lloyd, OHRA and ABN AMRO Insurance.