On June 23rd 2009, Clubracer.be published an article about the RBSC Single Handed Race.  Coincidentally, the top three contenders in this race are all three very avid Mini sailors.  Koen Willaert finished third on his Pogo I "Pikes", Bert was second on Felicity II (see report here) and Michiel Geerling finished first on Tissum, a Trio 96.

Of course, some beers had to be ordered to celebrate this.  And many more followed.  Inspired by their nice results, Bert, Koen and Michiel started dreaming of joining forces for the Mini sailing season in the year to come.

Today, we are proud to announce that they have worked that out, and that Koen and Michiel will be joining the Sailing Across!-project and sail along with Bert in the French Mini circuit in and around Douarnenez!

But who are Koen and Michiel?

Michiel is sailing since he was eight years old.  Starting in Optimist and in the Olympic Laser-dinghy, he now has as his goal the 2013 Mini Transat.  Aiming to prepare as professionally as possible, he will be gaining some valuable experience by sailing with Felicity II in some Mini Class Races in France.

Read more about Michiel here!

Koen Willaert has been mentioned quite a few times on our website.  Being one of our main competitors in Belgian waters on his own Pogo Mini 6.50, he will be partnering with Bert and Michiel after over 22 years of sailing.  He started on dinghies as well, and apart from some very spectacular achievements on his Mini, his main sailing career took place on a Mumm 30, sailing the very demanding Tour de France à Voile.  We're honoured that Koen will join the team this year!

Read the full sailing biography of Koen here.