14 Questions to … Ben Van Cauwenbergh

Ben (also known as Big Ben) Van Cauwenbergh, from Antwerp, Belgium, is one of the most popular Snipe sailors in Europe. In the past he was a professional dancer and now is a coreographer and ballet director in Essen, Germany. He usually sails Snipe with his wife Nadia and he is the inventor and organizer of the famous Wurstel Race in Antwerp.

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

My parents had a 505, but I started helming when I was 8.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

In 1986 I started sailing Snipe.

– 3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta?

Europeans in Finland, we were waiting for the wind, my wife (Nadia) was being very nice to me and we missed the start.

– 4) What is the thing that most angers you in a race/regatta?

I hate when there is not fair sailing and when you drive many kilometres to have a bad Race committee.

– 5) Which is the race/regatta that you remember with the most pleasure?

I must say, to sail in Italy, its always very nice, but sailing with a family of Dolphins next to us during the UK open in Wales was fantastic.

– 6) And the race/regatta you would like to forget?

Europeans Lorient, I was standing on the roof of my Camper everyday and was almost blown of, so much wind, I hate this regatta, windy and cold.

– 7) Your “dream in the peak”? (Your sailing dream?)

I hope I can keep sailing Snipe for a long time together with Nadia, although my heart grows very much to the Dragon Class as well, hope to keep scoring with having Manu (Hens) as a tactician

– 8) Sailing goals for 2013, and beyond?

Goals are trying to win any regatta, but the main thing is to have fun.

– 9) The most important people for you in sailing and in the Snipe?

Many people are important, and we have many friends, but for the class I think Jan and Jane Persson play an important role in the class; for us in Belgium André Callot and for Europe Birger Janssen.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Why the Snipe, because very competitive, you can sail easily with your wife(girlfriend), nice boat and you can sail all over the world and meet your friends again.

– 11) Your perfect sailing venue and your perfect sailing conditions?

Our best sailing conditions are in light air until 16 knots, and 39 degrees Celsius.

– 12) Besides sailing which other sport do you practice?

I love many sports, but due to my dancing career having many injuries, I have a lot of pain, and it stops me to do so.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

I am not really superstitious, but I will never walk under a ladder.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Perfect holiday will be always combined with sailing.