Sailors Van Aanholt and Duetz capture European title in 49erFX class | NOW

Sailors Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz won the European title in the 49erFX class on Sunday in Aarhus, Denmark. In the open championship, in which teams from outside Europe were also allowed to participate, the Dutch duo finished second behind the Brazilian couple Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze.

Van Aanholt and Duetz finished on 75 points, while Grael and Kunze finished on 69 points. Swedish sailors Vilma Bobeck and Rebecca Netzler finished third with 78 points.

For Van Aanholt and Duetz, who have only been sailing together since this spring, it is their third prize in a row. They previously won two World Cup competitions, the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma de Mallorca and the Allianz Regatta in Almere.

In the men’s race, Bart Lambriex and Floris van de Werken had to settle for silver in the battle for the European title in the 49er class. The Dutch couple scored 83 points. The Spaniards Diego Botín and Florian Trittel Paul won the gold with 68 points. The British James Peters and Fynn Sterritt finished third with 84 points.

“During the week, we will reap the benefits of our improved communication on board,” said Van de Werken. “Because we have made steps in that direction, Bart has more time to take a good look outside the boat when I talk him through the ‘short-term stuff’.”

“And you really need that time to understand what is happening on the track. You really can’t miss a moment. That progression translates into good results this week.”