SB20 Europeans 2025 set to sparkle in Ostend
by Anna Zyk / SB20 Class 18 Aug 09:45 BST
18-22 August 2025
All set for racing at the SB20 Europeans 2025 in Ostend, Belgium © Anna Zyk
The stage is set in Ostend as the SB20 European Championship gets under way, promising a week of exciting competition and Belgian hospitality. It is the first big fleet reunion in Europe after two years since the Worlds have been hosted at the overseas venues. Organised by the Royal North Sea Yacht Club the event has drawn a diverse fleet ranging from youth and mixed crews to world champions and one fully female team from Malta.
Event organiser and club secretary, Cédric De Bleye, expressed the sense of anticipation:
"After two years of preparation the event has finally begun. We are quite excited! It will be a fantastic week for all of us. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors supporting the event."
A strong Belgian fleet at home
The home teams are eager to perform on familiar waters, with Bart Tytgat's Go with the Flow expected to be among the top local contenders. Five mixed crews from the Sailing Betties project also add colour and energy, joining a strong Belgian line-up looking forward to racing against international competitors on their doorstep.
International talent converges
Cedric noted the truly global mix on the start line:
"We have a very international fleet here in Ostend, including France, the UK, Netherlands, Portugal, and from further afield, the UAE, Singapore and even some Aussies in the fleet."
France has arrived in force with six entries, including two boats provided by the French Sailing Federation. Paul Loiseau, bronze medallist and top youth at the 2025 SB20 Worlds in Singapore, and Ian Garreta, European Match Racing champion, who will put their friendly rivalry under a test. With Hyères hosting the 2026 SB20 Worlds the French are already building the momentum.
Matching France boat for boat, the UK has also sent six strong teams. Team Xcellent of John Pollard, the reigning World Champions and serial regatta winners, looked sharp in the practice race. Paul Hine's PBII Twenty, third at the Pre-Worlds, and Charlie Whelan's Reservoir Bod, the 2024 UK National Champions, will be pushing hard at the front.
Ireland is represented by TED and venuesworld.com, with TED chasing Xcellent closely in the practice race sailing with a new bowman.
Heavy hitters from further afield
Portugal's HelloNext, led by double national champion Nuno Cabral sailing with the 2023 SB20 silver medallist Tiago Morais and Class' top bowman Gonçalo Lopes, impressed in the warm-up race.
From Dubai - Desert Eagle brings together Hendrik Witzmann sailing with the 2023 World Champion Will Sargent (AUS) and Tom Cracknell (UAE) - a team many are tipping for the podium.
Singapore is flying high with two formidable entries: Glasgow Kiss of Nils Razmilovic, fresh from their victory at Cowes Week who is joined by David Salembier and Marcus Tressler. The Incident, skippered by Daire O'Reilly with British talents Arran Holman and Alex Hughes, won the Pre-Europeans event last weekend.
The Practice Race offered a taste of the week ahead: 8-12 knots of NNE breeze, strong current, a general recall and a black-flagged restart that kept everyone's attention sharp. Close mark roundings and tactical downwinds provided a lively warm-up for the week.
The forecast promises classic North Sea conditions with steady sea breezes in the medium range expected. Off the water sailors are looking forward to a generous helping of Belgian culture, courtesy of title sponsors Brugse Zot beer and Lotto (Loterie Nationale), plus treats such as free massages, pancakes and, naturally, plenty of Belgian beer.
Find out more at europeans2025.sb20class.org