Sailing on the Scheldt: Antwerp Race to the autumn season in… (Antwerp)
Antwerp-
With the 33rd Antwerp Race, a sailing race across the Scheldt, October 9 marks the start of the autumn season. The race departs from Breskens for large sailing yachts and from Terneuzen for smaller boats. The finish is for the Rede van Antwerpen near the Zuiderterras and the race is open to everyone.
Last year the corona crisis was not yet in the food and the Antwerp Race had to be postponed for a year. But this year it’s allowed again, and the sailing race is already in its 33rd edition.
“It is a sailing race that requires a lot of organization,” says the organization. “After all, the Scheldt is one of the busiest rivers in the world and we have to take into account the strong tide on the Western Scheldt. To keep the race going, spring tides are used. This allows all yachts to enjoy a strong current in the right direction. The spring tide matches every two months and falls on October 9 this year.”
What’s on the schedule?
The yachts will start at around 9 am in Breskens and Terneuzen. They are accompanied by exciting boats that ensure a safe crossing of the busy waters of the Lower Sea Scheldt. “The most dangerous zones are the Nauw van Bath and Hansweert because more than 100 participants have to cross the busy shipping route there at the same time.”
The first boats will finish at the Rede van Antwerpen from 2 pm. “The finish line is at the height of the pedestrian tunnel on the left bank, but the yachts try to sail so close to the quay wall. This always produces spectacular images,” says the organization.
After the race you can admire the 100 competition yachts in the marina of Linkeroever. “When sailing in the marina, the inside and friends follow the participants at the dock doors. There will also be a large screen projected during and after the race. The participants and the organization are hoping for good weather and a supporting wind.”
- The Antwerp Marina Linkeroever: “The einmeet can be viewed well from the terrace of the house. Atmosphere, snacks and for the sailors, their fans and the public are provided on site from 2 pm.”
- The Rede van Antwerpen (the blue stone near the Zuiderterras)
- The Palingsteiger at Sint-Anneke Plage: “This is an interesting place because sail changes usually take place here. You can see the yachts sailing from very close from 2 pm with the final between 3 and 4 pm.”
- The dock door at the marina Linkeroever: “Here you can see the yachts sailing in one by one after the race where they are met by friends and family.”
More information about the race can be found at antwerprace.be.