Women's Snipe Sailing
ALL ARE INVITED TO THE WOMEN'S EUROPEANS
About
GREAT COMPETITION FOR ALL LEVELS
After many years without a Women's European Championship, the Belgian Snipe Class hosted the event in 2019 on Lake Galgenweel in Antwerp.
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Since a Class rule from 1946 does not allow a World Championship and Europeans in the same year, the clubs in Galgenweel will host the Women's European Trophy in 2021 and the Europeans again in 2022.
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2019 was a fantastic event with three days of racing, 21 teams, and 10 countries from three continents represented.
European
Championship
JULY 1 - 3, 2022
The Most Fun
Regatta
OF THE YEAR
Schedule
JUNE 30 - JULY 3
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June 30
Charter boat pick-up,
Registration & Measurement
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July 1
Registration & Measurement
Skippers Meeting & Opening Ceremonies, 12:00
First Race, 1:30
July 2
Racing, 10:00
Regatta Dinner
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July 3
Racing, 10:00
Medal Race, 2:00
Awards, 4:30
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Venue & Conditions
GALGENWEEL - ANTWERP
Yes, it is a small lake, just beside River Scheldt. The winds are fickle and it's tricky racing, but the Race Committee works hard, is patient, and provides very fair competition. The courses are short, so it's close, exciting racing, which favors a good start and good boat handling.
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During early summer, sailors can expect air temperatures of 23 to 13' C (75' - 55'F). The depth of the lake ranges from 2m - 13m. With an average average depth of 5 - 6 meters, the water warms quickly in the summer months. Winds tend to be light, but don't be surprised if you have to hike, but don't worry because, upwinds are short. The water is mostly flat but the fleet and breeze can create small waves.
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
ANTWERP
Transportation
&Housing
AN EASY TRIP FROM BRUSSELS
Competitors flying to Belgium should arrive at the Brussels International Airport, not Charleroi Airport. From Brussels, Antwerp is a 30 minute car ride. Busses depart the airport every 30 minutes from the airport (10€) or you can take the train (11.80€). Taxis are very expensive (70€ - 100€). Busses and trains from Brussels arrive at the Antwerp Train Station (Antwerpen Centraal) which is 6.7 km from the lake.
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There is limited housing with local sailors, but priority is given to international teams. The sailing venue is across the Schedlt river, so most accommodations will require transportation to and from the regatta site. There is a tunnel for pedestrians and bikes from the city center under the River Scheldt to the other side. City bikes are available around the city. There are city bike stations near both ends of the tunnel. Contact regatta organizers to help coordinate logistics to and from the club.
Regatta Details
Belgian Snipe sailors are known for hosting some of the most fun regattas, particularly off the water. Their hospitality is second to none. The 2021 European Trophy will be a less formal, scaled-down event compared to the 2022 European Championship.
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The European Trophy is open to all women. Competitors do not need to be residents of a European country, nor do the skipper and crew need to be from the same country.
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The race course is only a short sail from the club, so there's no long waiting on the water. The Race Committee will attempt to complete around 4 races each day, with races typically lasting 30 minutes.
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The Snipe Women's European Championship (SWEC) in 2022 will be three-day event with a medal race, measurement & on-water judging.
The Clubs
The main host of the women's Snipe events on Galgenweel is the Koninklijke Liberty Yacht Club, but the regattas are an effort of several clubs on the lake. There are actually 5 clubs on the lake. The sailors of Antwerp have a passion for dinghy sailing, so there is no shortage of volunteers to help during events.
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The KLYC clubhouse at the lake is simple, with basic amenities, but the organizers dress it up for big events. The warmth of the Belgian sailors creates a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for all. The regatta dinner for the 2019 SWEC was hosted at the main KLYC clubhouse on the River Scheldt, a short distance from the lake
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Charters/Alquilar
RESERVE YOUR BOAT
Reasonable charters are available for teams traveling a long distance and for crews that do not own a boat. Teams chartering should expect to provide their own sails. International teams may want to consider doing a boat exchange with a team from Belgium interested in traveling to a regatta in their country.
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Teams chartering or borrowing boats should also bring their own tools, tension gauge, measuring tape and ask if they need to bring a compass and which type of mount the compass needs. Older boats require a special mount/bracket.
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Miss Piggy, an older charter boat, won the 2019 SWEC.
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REGATTA DINNER 2019
Beside the River Scheldt
2022 Women's European Championship
2022 CHAMPIONS
Rosa Foruria & Laura Morata (ESP)
SECOND
Tocke (USA) & Buzzetti (ITA)
THIRD
Tomas Perello Sisters (ESP)
FOURTH
Munch & Vinck (BEL)
FIFTH
Alexander & Barth (USA)
SIXTH
Martot & Bongaerts (BEL)
2019 CHAMPIONS
Gintare Scheidt (LTU) & Kathleen Tocke (USA)
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SECOND
Melsom Myhre & Greirsson (NOR)
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THIRD
Pires de Lima (POR) & Hansen Borgen (NOR)
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FOURTH
Salerno & Buiatti (ARG)
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FIFTH
Hernandez & Franceschi (ESP)
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SIXTH
Vinck & Van Daele (BEL)
Organizers
OGANIZING & RACING TOO
Most often, regatta organizers do not sail in the major events that they run, but the Beglian women, put on a great performance on and off the water. Sarah de Canniere, Sonia Wyffels, Katia Royer know what it takes to put on a great show for women. In addition to these superb ladies, there is a major group of the most enthusiastic volunteers from the 5 clubs that donate their time, money, & enthusiasm to create the Women's European's. All they ask in return is for competitors to have wonderful time, and enjoy a Belgian beer with them after racing.
Don't Miss The Fun
2022
2019
