2024 Hansa European Championships at Royal Yacht Club Sneek, Netherlands
Hansa European Championships 2024 at Royal Yacht Club Sneek, Netherlands
The prestigious Hansa European Championships 2024 were held from 14-21 September at the Royal Yacht Club in Sneek, Netherlands. Teams from various European countries, as well as Chile and Korea, gathered at this stunning venue to compete in the event. The opening ceremony was a spectacular affair with flag bearers arriving by boat accompanied by a brass band. The week-long social program included events such as Nations night, whisky tasting, an Indonesian buffet, and a grand prize-giving ceremony.
A total of 18 boats representing Great Britain participated across three fleets: Liberty, Hansa 303 one-person, and Hansa 303 two-person. The weather provided ideal conditions throughout the races, with dry, warm, and windy days offering a variety of challenges on the water.
In the Hansa 303 one-person fleet, GB had a strong presence with eight entries. Rory McKinna, Mike Everitt, and Hannah Nicoll qualified for the gold fleet, with Rory finishing fourth overall. The Hansa 303 two-person fleet saw success for the Polish team, while the Liberty fleet saw a close battle for the title between Vera Vorbach and Paul Phillips, with Paul emerging as the champion.
The event was a great success thanks to the hard work of volunteers and support from RYA Sailability. Coaching provided by experienced professionals proved effective, leading to a memorable championship for all involved. Congratulations to all the sailors and volunteers who made the event possible.
If you’re interested in becoming part of this incredible team as a sailor or volunteer, please contact David Durston at hansaclass.org.uk.
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.