The Antwerp Race is one of those events that truly mark the close of summer. Each October, sailors from across Belgium and the Netherlands gather for this iconic end-of-season event. A race that carries just as much spirit and tradition as it does competition.

First held in 1988, the Antwerp Race has become a favourite among Northern European sailors. The course, roughly 45 nautical miles from Breskens to Antwerp, winds its way up the River Scheldt, one of Europe’s busiest waterways. It’s a route that demands skill and strategy, balancing tides, wind shifts, and commercial traffic as crews race towards the city’s skyline and a spectacular finish near the port of Antwerp.

Among the fleet, Nils Bouwman and his crew aboard his Beneteau First 40, Camelot, delivered an impressive performance in tricky conditions. “The Antwerp Race is always a special one. Sort of the end of the summer racing season and the course towards finishing in Antwerp,” shared Nils. “This year, we had an early start due to the tide. Our start was good, but with very light wind conditions in the harbour of Antwerp, we turned up 4th.”

Despite the challenging light-air finish, Camelot’s consistent pace and strong teamwork earned them a commendable fourth place. An excellent result in a fleet known for its competitive spirit and unpredictable river winds.

The Antwerp Race remains one of Europe’s most distinctive sailing events; a blend of heritage and skill that perfectly reflects the sport’s enduring allure. Congratulations to Nils Bouwman and the Camelot crew for rounding out the season in style.

photos Bronny Daniels