Havncup 01/06/2025

Yes, I was 5th and therefore reporter on duty. 5th is about the average place to keep an eye on both the front and the back, at least in this race with nine participants. Family parties had something to do with it.

The first thing that stood out was the seaweed that sometimes got stuck to the rudder in bunches. Tip from Jan Goderis: "Throw 10 tons of carp in there, the seaweed will be gone in no time!". Better between the carp than through the seaweed. Unfortunately no carp, but for that you needed some knowledge about the depth of the Galgenweel. So tacking via the KLYC and avoiding seaweed as much as possible was a good tip.

The first series I was actually in the lead after a pining start, mainly because Sebbe forgot the spreader and had to go back. Sebbe1, Sigurd2, Filip3. Three series in the morning with a shifty wind under the dark clouds. Sébastien was the best at this, especially before the wind he was tactically strong. Sebbe 1-3-1 Sigurd 2-2-3 Gwyn 4-1-4

Two more series in the afternoon, where Jelle Van Den Brande stood out. Only he came out well from the right, seaweed or no seaweed. He designed a special rudder and centreboard for it, sharp as a knife cutting through the seaweed. Sebbe 1-1 Gwyn 2-2 Sigurd 3-5 Podium: 1 Sebbe Godefroid 4p 2 Gwyn Hagenaars 9p 3 Sigurd Vergauwe 10p

Many thanks SODIPA for the excellent organisation, the pleasant aperitif afterwards and of course our race director on duty Wim Craenen!

Credits: Phillippe Willems BEL15