It’s Family First on the Ijsselmeer….

Olivier, Dominic & Jan Bakker winners of the Grand Prix of Enkhuizen. Hold the Silver Model of the “Santa Maria”.. whilst proud Mum Evelyne watches in the background :-).

21 boats raced for a total of 5 days in which 13 races were completed on the famous Ijsselmeer, in Holland. With winds mainly between 12-25 kts over the three weekends it was “Typical Dutch Spring Time Weather” for all the competitive teams. Overall winners in their new acquisition NED 422 “Elephant” were Jan Bakker and his sons Olivier and Dominic.

NED 422 “Elephant” lead around the windward mark, just ahead of NED 311 (varnished).

The “Santa Maria” was of course the largest of three ships used by Christopher Columbus on his first expedition voyage. This 70 year old Silver Model has some stories to tell and will be with the Bakkers until next spring.

                                            The Silver Model of the Santa Maria.

Runner up overall was NED 311 helmed by Bram de Wilde. Here we see Bram and his crew of Pier de Longh and Rudi Holman with the Red, White and Blue Spinnaker sailing downwind fighting for second place…..

Third overall was NED 424 helmed by Andre’ Dupon, crewed by Siebe de Boo and Robbert Blauwkuip. Andre’ is the Dutch Petticrows agent based in Aalsmeer and is  consistently at the front end of the fleet….

This spring series of three weekends is getting ever more popular so why not join in the fun next year ?  Details of the series and photo’s from Philip de Koning….. Dutch Secretary. 

Higher, Faster, Longer…………..     Stavros.