We have been made to feel so at home and welcome here in Nieuwpoort this week and we would just like to say a huge thank you to the members and volunteers of the KYCN, the Belgian Half Ton fleet and the organisers of the Half Ton Class Europe for creating such a wonderful regatta. With friendly faces and a can do attitude this team of friends and family have pulled out all the stops to make a truly memorable event, produce terrific racing and host some knock out parties.

Neiuwpoort is an interesting town and full of quirky and interesting bit of architecture and sculpture. Built on sand dunes, there is a historic heart to the town upriver and a very modern beachside area with great shopping and restaurants at the coast, as well as more boats and marinas than you can shake the proverbial stick at. Do visit if you get the chance.

One of the things we’ve loved looking for each day are the little statues hidden on the big pilings which line the main channel into the harbour.  Each day I look forward to spotting the garden gnome, the pussy cat and these two who are always there, watching out to week for the safely returning boats.

They tell us that if you hunt at low tide you will find a mermaid too but we have yet to find her!

Thank you Nieuwpoort – we will be back!