09/02/2026
Solidarity in the SB20 Class: More Than Just Racing !
In the SB20 class, we race hard on the water, but once we step ashore, we are one big family. This was proven once again last weekend by a heartwarming example of true sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The Story: From Dublin to Schiphol (with a detour)
On February 7th, experienced sailor Cédric De Bleye stepped up to support newcomer Elina Cnudde, working hard to set up an "all female" racing team for next seasons. Elina is the proud new owner of a second-hand SB20, and together they flew to Dublin for the official commissioning and inspection of her boat.
The trip went smoothly until the return flight. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Cédric and Elina found themselves stranded at Schiphol Airport, with no direct way to get back to Belgium :-(
One Call Was All It Took
Instead of spending the night at the airport, the solution was just one phone call away. A quick call to the Dutch Class President, Bastiaan van Nunen, was all it took. Without a second thought, he hopped in his car to pick up his fellow sailors and drive them safely across the border to Belgium. A late night trip of about 5 hours! A very big shout out for that :-)
"This is exactly the spirit that makes our class so unique. We don’t leave anyone behind—whether that’s on the racecourse or at an airport."
Why This Matters?
This story perfectly illustrates why we are so proud of the SB20 community:
* Mentorship: Experienced sailors like Cédric helping newcomers like Elina find their way.
* Going the Extra Mile: Class presidents who don’t just manage the fleet but are there for its fellow members when it counts.
* A Global Network: When you buy an SB20, you’re not just buying a boat; you’re joining a family.
Welcome to the fleet, Elina! And a huge thank you to Cédric De Bleye and Bastiaan van Nunen for showing us how it’s done.
