Europeans wrap in Sneek

The 2024 European Hansa Class Championships kicked off with a grand opening, welcoming sailors in true Dutch style. The event featured traditional Dutch elements such as music from a street organ, delicious poffertjes, and women dressed in klederdracht (traditional local costumes).

Each country was represented by a participant who arrived at the stage aboard a RIB, carrying their nation’s flag. The ceremony emphasized the importance of this special event, and was officially opened by Foppe de Haan, a prominent Dutch football coach known for his charity work with the Foppe Fund, supporting children with disabilities.

With such a fantastic start, it promises to be a memorable week for the sailors. The weather forecasts are looking favorable, ensuring ideal conditions for the races ahead.

The first race day of the 2024 European Hansa Class Championships, hosted by the Royal Yacht Club Sneek, was a success. Despite a slow start in the morning due to light winds, all three qualifier races for the Hansa 303 Single class were completed, along with the two qualifier races for the Liberty class.

The day began with a delay as the morning wind was too light for racing, keeping the sailors on standby. However, by mid-day, the wind picked up to a steady 11–16 knots, allowing the races to proceed smoothly.

Though the day ran longer than expected, the consistent wind throughout the afternoon ensured competitive racing, setting the stage for an exciting week ahead.

Day two brought more challenges for the sailors, with wind speeds reaching up to 20 knots in the afternoon for the 303 Double fleet. The Liberty sailors experienced slightly calmer conditions in the morning.

Day three provided ideal sailing conditions for both the Liberty class and 303 Single class, with consistent winds ranging from 10 to 15 knots. Sailors expertly navigated the challenging conditions, making for an exciting day on the water.

In the 303 Single class, the final three qualification races took place, with competitors battling to secure their spots in the Gold fleet. The races were intense, with subtle wind shifts adding to the excitement and keeping the outcomes unpredictable.

Day 4 of the 2024 European Hansa Class Championship started with a misty challenge as thick fog blanketed the Sneekermeer, causing a delay in the morning races due to poor visibility. The sailors remained on standby as they awaited better conditions.

By the end of the morning the fog lifted, allowing the 303 Double sailors to head out on the water. Despite the delayed start, the sailors completed all three scheduled races. The races were intense, as teams made the most of the improving weather and steady wind conditions.

Day 5 marked the thrilling finale of the 303 Single class races at the 2024 European Hansa Class Championship, with sailors in both the Gold and Silver fleets giving it their all in the final races.

In the Gold fleet, Spain’s Alejandro Solera dominated, securing victory in all three final races to claim the championship title. Despite fierce competition, Solera’s skill and consistency earned him the top spot. The final standings for the Gold fleet are:

Alejandro Solera (Spain) – 12 points
Piotr Cichocki (Poland) – 14 points
Jens Kroker (Germany) – 16 points

In the Silver fleet, the competition was equally intense. Teodoro Candido from Portugal came out on top after several close battles throughout the day. The final standings for the Silver fleet are:

Teodoro Candido (Portugal) – 61 points
Isias Iglesias (Spain) – 72 points
James Woosnam (Great Britain) – 78 points

The final race day of the 2024 European Hansa Class Championship at Sneekermeer began with the Liberty class, where excitement lingered until the last leg.

The competition was fierce between Vera Voorbach and Paul Philips, who had been the biggest rivals throughout the week. Ultimately, Paul Philips from Great Britain emerged as the champion, winning by just one point. The final standings in the Liberty class are as follows:

Paul Philips (Great Britain) – 12 points
Vera Voorbach (Netherlands) – 13 points
Gerard Beens (Netherlands) – 26 points

In the 303 Double class, the excitement continued as Piotr Cichocki teamed up with Olga Goma S Grudzien. After narrowly missing out on victory in the 303 Single class the previous day, they seized their moment and became the European champions in the double. The final standings in the 303 Double class are: