WILLEMSTAD – Strong winds and difficult sailing conditions turned this year’s Dolf van der Giessen Race on Spanish Water into a true test of skill and endurance, with only nine of the 17 participating sailors successfully reaching the finish line.
The race was contested under heavy conditions, with winds gusting to nearly 30 knots, creating a challenging course that resulted in equipment problems and several capsized boats.
After an intense battle on the water, sailor Ard van Aanholt emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Jurgen Schneider to claim first place.
One of the biggest stories of the day was the impressive performance of brothers Chris and Nick Mathof, aged 12 and 13. The young sailors surprised the field by securing a remarkable third-place finish against more experienced competitors.
In the women’s division, Ingeborg Hessing claimed top honors after successfully navigating the demanding conditions.
Despite the tough weather, race organizers from the Watersportvereniging Jan Sofat described the event as a successful and spectacular day of competition. Organizers praised the determination and perseverance shown by participants as they battled high winds and rough conditions throughout the race.
The annual Dolf van der Giessen Race remains one of Curaçao’s notable sailing events, and this year’s edition will likely be remembered for both the extreme conditions and the standout performances delivered on Spanish Water.
Photo credit: Ciska Rush