14 Questions to … Sarah de Canniere

14 Questions to … Sarah de Canniere Image

Sarah de Canniere from Antwerp, Belgium

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

During my childhood, my family and I used to go to France every year during summer holidays. My parents always rented a house near the beach for a few weeks, mostly in Bretagne.I did my first sailing steps during these holidays. The first years together with my dad on a catamaran, when I got a little bit older in an Opti.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

It was in 2004, I was 12 years old. I follow a one-week sailing course on our small, but famous Galgenweel-lake in Antwerp. Marc Cornelissens was my instructor that week. The last day of the course, he took me on his Snipe to sail around the lake. I enjoyed it so much! Later that summer, he introduced me to the Snipe Class, by taking me to The Netherlands for the Benelux-championships.

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

A few years ago, when I was still sailing in the Flying Junior Class, me and my crew got lost during the Dutch Nationals on our way to the shore. It was a lake with a lot of of small islands, and we completely lost the orientation. It was a bizarre feeling to sail around the islands not knowing where to go.

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

People shouting for no reason, unfair sailing, people who refuse to take penalties although they know they should take one.

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

This will definitely be SWEC 2019 (Snipe Women’s European Championship). I took part of the organisation comitee. The whole year round we worked really hard to organise this Women’s Euoropeans Event. The atmosphere during this regatta was wonderfull, both offshore and onshore. This regatta boosted the women’s snipe sailing in Belgium.

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

I enjoy almost every race, so I don’t have too much races I would like to forget. Last year, during the Belgian Nationals in September, Sonia and I both had an off-day lasting for the whole weekend. We did enjoy the atmosphere and the socials, but the results of the racing were a little bit dissapointing. This year we’ll try again!

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

To continue sailing as a women’s team; to get better every season, to continue traveling abroad to regattas with Sonia.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2020, and beyond?

We had a lot of sailing goals for 2020; but at this moment, my main sailing goal for 2020 is to get back on the water as soon as possible. We hope to be able to restart training, and to spend many hours on the water this summer. Maybe some small regattas on our own lake will be possible?

For next year, there will definitely be the Europeans in Split, and maybe go the Brasil for the women’s worlds?

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

Marc Cornelissens, because he taught me how to sail, and he introduced me in the snipe-class.

Sonia, my partner in crime,  for all the serious fun and serious hiking ? I hope that we can soon return to our lake and boat to create new adventures! Off course Yannick Laumans, our Belgian snipe-president. And last but not least, my boyfriend. Despite the fact that he’s ‘allergic’ to water and boats, he supports me in all my sailing plans and adventures

– 10) Why the Snipe?

There a obviousy many reasons to sail snipe! Maybe the most important reason is the fabulous snipe family. Off course I also like the fact that we have a realy big fleet in Antwerp on our small lake. There’s always the opportunity to train or race against other boats. And if we want to travel abroad, there’s this really nice snipe-family who welcomes us everywhere with a huge amount of kindness and hospitality.

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

Anywhere where there is a moderate breeze and a lot of sun! Although I also do like some heavy weather sailing from time to time.

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

I used to play waterpolo. Sadly last season I had to quit playing because of an injury. The good part is that there’s more time to sail now ?. I  also do enjoy cycling a lot.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

I wouldn’t say I’m really superstitious.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

With the Galgenweel-squad, travelling around with our tents, vans and camping cars, like we are a bunch of nomads. Every place we go, we install our cozy camp and ‘serious fun’ is garanteed.

But I do also enjoy hiking or cycling holidays. High in the mountains or in the desolate nature, with our backpacks on our back, sleeping in our tent and cooking on our own fire.

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