Get ready for a thrilling return to the North Sea as the SB20 Open Belgian Nationals take place in Ostend on 4–6 July. Hosted by the Royal North Sea Yacht Club, this year’s Nationals mark the first international SB20 fleet reunion on the North Sea in 2025 and it’s shaping up to be a great rehearsal. With the SB20 Europeans 2025 just around the corner, the Belgian Nationals are your best chance to test the waters - and your tactics - on the championship racecourse.
Some of the Class’s top international names are already on the entry list! Hot on their heels, the current UK National Champion - team Reservoir Bod are back with unfinished business from 2024 Belgian Nationals, having narrowly missed out last year with a silver.
The Dutch fleet is also out in force, and they’ve long had a taste for Belgian waters. Buitenhuis Advies, helmed by Martijn Buitenhuis with Frank Dobbels and Tim Lemeer, return as last year’s bronze medallists. Another team to watch is Team MXTC of Marco van Driel, a consistent performer in both Belgian and Dutch championships. Add to that Team Kesbeke of Eelco Blok with Ronald Veraar on the helm, who bring their North Sea experience combined with light winds skills after a 2nd finish in the trickiest Singapore Worlds earlier this year.
Flying the flag for Belgium, the reigning Master Champions Go With the Flow are back on the start line, continuing their friendly cross-border rivalry with the Dutch. The Sailing Betties, the local female-sailing initiative, will bring four boats to the event, fresh off another training session earlier this year with the 2023 SB20 World Champion Will Sargent.
Beyond the racing, the Nationals will offer the warm hospitality the SB20 fleet has come to expect in Ostend. Daily après-sail drinks, and a Saturday night dinner at the iconic Royal North Sea Yacht Club will give sailors a chance to catch up and raise a glass (or two) at the bar. And that’s not all - Summerlove Festival lands on the beach next door (Sat & Sun), turning the weekend into a celebration of sailing, sunshine, and live music. Tickets available here.
Cedric De Bleye, General Secretary RNSYC: “Ostend in July has it all! And if the promise of champagne sailing, Belgian beer and beachfront beats isn’t enough, don’t forget that Brugge is just a short trip away for those who want to combine regatta life with world-class culture and history.”
📍 Entries are still open - grab your crew and sign up now! This is the penultimate test before the #SB20Europeans2025 and the countdown has less than 50 days on the clock.