Medemblik
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Guys
Looks like at least 45 OK’s are heading for Holland next weekend and from all over NEurope – brilliant!! I ran into Tony Woods at the weekend at Glossop and in the midst of a long ranging chat he raised the fact that there are a lot of old Merlin sailors that headback to the class to do Salcombe Week. We both agreed that that to be able to go to Medemblik would be one of the reasons we would continue to own an OK……. and I have only been once and am only ever likely to be at the back of the fleet …… unlike Tony. But hey it is a great event!
AndyM
PS according to xcweather we are currently due 2 gentle days- Friday and Saturday – before the dogs lose their chains on Sunday. Now if it stays that way ……leisurely “fatboys” breakfast on Sunday beforehand packing up the boats. Nah the front will move through early and I will be testing out Rovers new “Armchairs”. Oh god!
To all foreign travel vets
As a recent convert to OKs it’s taken me 3 seasons to feel I might compete with the back of the fleet but one of the purposes of joining the class was the opportunity for foreign events so, reading the comments on this site I think I would like to try Medemblik as you seem to have fun there, and possibly the Belgian Nationals as it’s near. I know those going to Medemblik this year will probably already be on the way or just closing the front door, but if I plan for next year, can any of you give any guidance on towing, and any other info I might need, for my first event abroad; insurance, legalities, ferry or Eurotunnel etc.
Steve
2068
Hi Steve.
I thought someone would have been along to answer your query by now. Think they’re all asleep after the trip to Medemblik. Its great that you are thinking of Medemblik and Belgium Nationals in the future. I have done both and would recommend both trips.
Medemblik.
Launching and sailing is run from the Regatta Centre. It is very user friendly. Nice wide sheltered ramp. Great showers and camping facilities if staying in Van or tent. It doesn’t have a lot of soul but fear not that is where the Brakeboer Bar kicks in. It’s the un- official clubhouse for the event and Mein Host does a great job of looking after the sailors. The town has great restaurants, B+B’s, etc and with its ‘in town’ harbour is a delight to visit.
Sailing can be a challenge. It gets cold so take everything in the kit bag. The short waves can be great fun downwind but a more conservative approach on the run can pay. More centreboard and more mainsheet. We missed out on the waves this year but as I say if you’re a pondy like me they take some getting used to.
No special insurance required with all the insurance companies I know of.
Plenty of choice with the route. Harwich into the hook is most popular. Calais Ferry and Euro Tunnel do a great job too. ItsI always worth going out the day before leaving time for a practice sail and re-hydration at the Brakeboer!
Belgium Nationals.
Easy to get to. Camp on site. You won’t want to go far from the hospitality. Great event.
Good thing about both events is that it not only gives you the opportunity of getting to know the Brit OK’s better it gives you a chance to get to know the other European sailors which in essence is what OK sailing is all about. Good luck with your plans.
Steve
Tony has given you a clear summary of what you need to look out for. Now from a guy who was 40th to his 5th some salutory lessons.
Medemblik tends to be cold, over cast, rainy and windy with a bloody awful short chop as the Ijsselmeer is so shallow (having turned turtle there this year much to the humour of the fleet i can vouch for the shallowness given the mud that came up on the mast). Normally this would be enough to put even the most hardened soul off. It is also not cheap to get there unless you share BUT you have to go!!! As Tony and I discussed – aged Merlin sailors buy a boat to go to Salcombe week we would keep an OK just to go to Medemblik.
At the back I had my own races against a handful of Danes, Dutch and Germans (there should have been more Brits but I fear I was GBR tail end Charlie). It is a unique event – be better if they called it the Summer nations cup and held it in June but hey……
The Brakboer is an experience – last year they had a bee gees tribute band playing – wont go into the detail but what a lot of fun. I have only been twice. I added up the cost this year and although not cheap reckoned it was value for money.
From a travel perspective we used eurotunnel – £130 return. Drive to Medemblik from Calais took 5 hours with detailed google maps instructions (I am old school and refused to let the co- pilot Andy Rushworth – use a sat nav). At 30mpg with a double trailer and at pace I got through about £150 of diesel.
To summarise, Medemblik isn’t Brits on tour and is better for it. Yes we tend to stick together in the bar afterwards, but in the dinghy park before and after the races you will be trading comments and insults with our european friends. It is great fun and I will be there next year. Never mind the worlds or the europeans – Medemblik is 3 days of international competition that goes right to the back of the fleet.
Andy
Hi all
Thanks for very informative and helpful comments – I wish I’d gone this year now! I will put Medemblik in the schedule for next year, and start serious planning for the Belgian Nationals this year to get a feel of international events. My only experience abroad was crewing in the 505 euros at Riva in 1980 so anything I remember from then doesn’t apply, mainly as my helm organised it and I was driving through the night and asleep for the daytime part of the journey! The camaraderie when we were there was good, which is why I’d like to get abroad again in what sounds like a friendly class. I’m intending to be at Bristol this Saturday to dip my toe in the OK waters so to speak, so I hope to meet a few of you.
Steve
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