Coen De Koning is the new Dutch National Champion

Dutch A-cat Nationals 2017, - Rutger Krijger reports

From the 22nd till the 24th of September the Dutch Nationals were hosted as they usually are by the great catamaran club of Hellecat.  Racing started on Friday with three races in fantastic conditions. Sunshine, 10-12 knots of breeze and flat water.  Coen de Koning, PJ Dwarshuis and Rutger Krijger emerged as the three front boats after the 1st day, showing some good foiling speeds.

On Saturday conditions were also very pleasant with lots of sunshine, but a lot less wind with 4-7 knots of breeze. Caroline van Beelen on her Nikita showed very good speed and tactics winning 2 of the 3 races and scoring 5th in the other race to be best boat of the day.  Jaap Straakenbroek on his foiling Vision showed also good speed and tactics, scoring 2,2,3 for the day moving him into 3rd overall, tied on points with PJ in 2nd and Rutger in 4th  , with Coen still leading.

Sunday 4 races were held with a bit of chop and a breeze of about 6-9 knots. The breeze also had some holes in it, making foiling quite challenging!  Coen proved quickest on the downwinds when foiling was possible, here he made big gains. In the 3rd race of the day though the wind dropped to about 6 knots, with foiling not possible. Jaap sailed this race very well and managed to win, putting him in a good place to end up on the podium.

The last race of the day was held in 9 knots, making foiling possible again and giving some great racing.

Coen managed to win the championship in convincing fashion, winning 6 of the 10 races.  PJ finished in 2nd overall, with Jaap a very popular 3rd!  

Photos - Laurens Morel