2022 classic boat events

Finally sailing again! 2022 is turning out to be a succession of fine events. Lona is now based in Blankenberge and that opens up a number of new destinations, even more so because as new retirees our agenda has become super flexible.

Launching after drying out for two years offered sudden surprises, with the underwater hull seams having to be replaced in a hurry, a cooling water problem and some electrical issues. But the boat sails perfectly, and after some taking up her hull is now more watertight than ever. Some remaining leaking through the deck is probably insurmountable.

Sailing towards Ostend for the event ‘Oostende voor Anker’ included a major adventure during the night near Breskens when a thunderstorm broke the anchor free (which I discovered after being woken by lightning!). After two hours with several attempts to re-establish the anchor I decided at 5 AM to move on to the Breskens harbour for a bit of sleep. Moving on from there a few hours later, the next adventure awaited in the Mercator lock in Ostend: the static mooring line broke and Lona hit the opposite wall with her bowsprit, causing some damage.

The Ostend and successive Blankenberge events proved absolute successes, with lots of music and interesting people, and a great renewal of contacts after a two or three year-long interruption.

Upcoming soon now are the Brouwse Classics Regatta in Brouwershaven, followed by events in Gravelines, Nieuwpoort and more.