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, though one competitor faced technical difficulties. Catch all the action from day two of the 2024 European Hansa Class Championships!
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.
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 Royal Yacht Club Sneek will proudly host the 2024 European Hansa Class Championships, an inclusive and prestigious event welcoming sailors of all abilities. Scheduled from September 16 to 21, the championships will take place on the scenic Sneekermeer, a lake near the city of Sneek, renowned for hosting large-scale sailing competitions. In 2024, this venue will be the gathering point for Hansa sailors from across Europe.
Bob Schahinger, VP of Championships for the International Hansa Class Association, expressed the committee’s enthusiasm for bringing the championship to Northern Europe. “The Royal Yacht Club Sneek’s proven history of organizing major sailing events, along with its excellent facilities, made it the ideal venue. We’re excited to collaborate with Sneek, marking the first major Hansa Class championship in Northern Europe since the 2016 World Championships in Medemblik.”
The 2024 European Hansa Class Championships will feature three distinct boat classes. The Hansa Liberty class, with 17 competitors, is designed for single-person use and is known for its stability and adaptability, allowing sailors of varying abilities to compete on equal footing.
The Hansa 303 class will include two separate competitions: the Single class with 41 competitors, and the Double class with 22 teams, where sailors pair up to navigate the boat in a two-person format, requiring close teamwork and coordination.
Notably, around 10 dedicated sailors will compete in both the Hansa 303 Single and Double categories, increasing the number of races they will participate in during the championship.
The 2024 European Hansa Class Championships will run from Monday, September 16 to Saturday, September 21, with the week divided into two series:
– Qualification Series: Monday, September 16 – Thursday, September 19
– Final Series: Friday, September 20 – Saturday, September 21
With participants from all over Europe and even sailors from Korea and Chile, this championship not only highlights the growth of the Hansa class but also underscores the inclusive nature of the sport of sailing.
Photo’s by Eize Hoekstra and Robbert Evers
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