The Great Belgium Open 2008 - A report from Rosie Tribe - posted November 08
Seven Brits made the trip across the Channel for a gusty weekend Blokarting in Oostende.
It was an extremely well organised event – the Belgium Blokart Club were well organised – all the jobs were delegated to non competitors enabling the local sailors to enjoy the racing. There was even a marquee on the beach manned by the club volunteers who provided hot drinks, crepes and sandwiches all day which ensured all sailors were well fed and happy.
The large entry was split into three groups of about twenty. Ten minute races for Performance, Light/Heavy Production and Mid Production were run.
Team Tribe were supported by the Brits to put together the three karts to ensure a few minutes practice for the newcomers prior to racing. Seb decided the gusty weather was not ideal for his first race and became the team supporter … especially for his Grandma! His cries of “Go Grandma Go” could be heard across the race course.
Saturday racing started in the early afternoon once the tide had gone out. Racing was a little frustrating with the challenging slightly offshore conditions. The blocks of flats caused interesting shifts and gusts. Performance managed to complete two races, with the other groups only managing one. Race 2 for Production Light/Heavy was stopped twice due to periods of lack of wind leading to frustrated sailors stuck in the sand. Interestingly many were using a range of illegal methods to move including feet and hands on the sand!!!
The evening dinner was at the local Tennis Club. To ensure we would have sufficient energy to race Sunday we were served with three types of delicious pasta. The British Team was in high spirits … unfortunately a classic photo of John looking extremely guilty was missed …. he had suddenly realised there was a mum in ear shot!
Sunday started was a lazy morning. The boys were looking pretty tired … claiming it was due to Chris’s motor home being shaken by the strong wind all night … or was it due to the boys night out in Oostende?
Racing starting at 1330 with Tim Seed showing great downwind speed. He could be dangerous in the future when he masters the windward leg!!
One downwind leg saw a collision between the flying Tim and a spinning Grandma … both survived the tale, as did the karts …. Thank goodness for the sweet coffee and crepes that encouraged “Grandma” back on the race course.
Other interesting manoeuvres during the weekend included a capsize in the sea … this time however the entertainment was not provided by the British Team.
All groups managed a total of four races over the weekend followed by a fun all-in race which was great viewing for the local spectators.
Prize giving was hosted at the local cinema, providing a warm venue close to the race course. The organisers had worked hard to find sponsors to ensure there were plenty of prizes to go around.
The seven children under 14 years received a goody bag for entering the Belgium Open. Most achieved a top three place in their category. There is certainly young talent developing within the sport.
Other special prizes for first time racers included an international wheelchair athlete, who came third in the light weights and Grandma Tribe, as the oldest competitor.
Nico, Anne and the Belgium Blokart Team must be congratulated on the smooth running of this fun event. It is certainly one of the European events to try to get to next year.