2001 Belgian National and Open Championship, Galgenweel, Antwerp

KLYC, September 1-2
Report by Nick Craig

The OK Belgian Nationals took place this weekend at Lake Gagenweel in Antwerp with 30 boats from 4 countries competing. The Belgians showed how regattas should be run with the £10 entry fee covering 6 well run races, a 5 course meal with some free beer and B&B provided for all visitors by Bart Bomans.

With most of the roads round Antwerp closed, the trip was eventful with John Ball showing some impressive rally driving skills as he teared through road closed signs to lead the British convey to the event!

Saturday’s racing was congested as the OKs shared a course with the Finn Nationals. The shifty force 2-3 wind was blowing across the lake so the beats were short making racing intensely close and every shift critical with 4 lap 40 minute races. The opening race saw a close battle between reigning Belgian Champ Bart Bomans and Nick Craig (GBR) with Craig getting the last shift into the finish just right to win. Early leader Robert Deaves (GBR) held on to 3rd from German lake specialist Ralf Mackmann and Peter Scheuerl (GER).

Bomans opened a good lead in race 2 to win. Craig covered Mackmann for 2nd up the last beat out left – in the meantime Alistair Deaves (GBR) had picked up good wind and a big lift on the right to steal 2nd with Craig 3rd, Mackmann 4th and Robert 5th.

Craig and Bomans again broke clear in race 3 with Craig covering closely up the last beat to win, the consistent Mackmann was 3rd. Alistair Deaves was 4th followed by Uwe Boehm (GER).

After a very tasty 5 course meal and much free beer, the 10am start on Sunday came too soon! Bomans found the lighter winds to his liking with a big win in race 4. Alistair Deaves covered Craig closely for a 2nd with Mackmann again 4th followed by Belgian lightweight Frank Vanroy.

Race 5 was the closest with Vanroy, Craig, Bomans and Alistair Deaves never more than a few lengths apart and jostling for position on every shift & gust. A bizarre incident on the penultimate event settled the event – Craig was covering Bomans when Bomans’ tiller extension snapped at the same time sending Bomans into a tack with his bow landing on Craig’s stern! Craig span dropping to 4th, whilst Vanroy won from Bomans and Alistair Deaves.

In the last race Bomans and Craig were secure in 1st and 2nd overall so both went for it at the start and were OCS! Alistair sailed a perfect 1st beat and got good breeze on the run to secure a big bullet and 3rd overall. Vanroy completed a good day with a 2nd, followed by Robert Deaves, Mackmann & Boehm.