Blog Sailing PEL61

#updates #Solosailing

Being free in the wide open ocean and feeling the air on your face can give you a sense of freedom. These sailing emotions can wash over your soul as you experience feelings like no other. Stunning pictures & video coming soon.

Rescued on the North Sea after engine failure close to the Port of Blankenberge. Many thanks to the Vrijwillige Blankenbergse Zeereddingsdienst - VBZR and the MRCC Ostend for the quick and professional intervention. Proud to be supporting member of VBZR, keep up the good work guys! Click to see the video of the intervention.

The inauguration of  sailboat PEL61 and the offical project launch Sailing_PEL61 took place on May 24th during the maritime festival Ostend at Anchor 2025! A huge thank you to 't Kroegske Iwein Scheer and De Beeldstorm vzw Renee Lodewijckx, the City of Ostend, Major John Crombez and alderman Niko Geldhof. Many thanks to Dominique Lubaki, Jan Ducheyne, Piet Wittevrongel, Bert Spin, Marc Derveeuw, Jessy Daems, Rhian Vialva and all the amazing helping hands. Thanks also to the numerous guests attending the ceremony. It was an unforgettable day! Check out the powerful photo report by photographer Jo Voets.

For centuries, sailors of old and new alike have blamed their maritime hardships on Poseidon and his mighty wrath, bringing about a rich set of superstitions that are still followed today. Among the most noteworthy of these superstitions is the need to hold a boat christening ceremony. The cermony for PEL61 will take place end of May during the Maritime Festival Ostend at Anchor 2025. Let the preparations begin!

DIY Boat Engine Maintenance: Performing the boat engine maintenance is essential to keep the engine in excellent condition. The steps include visual inspection, replacing filters and impeller, changing oil, and checking the cooling system. Let’s see in detail, click here.

A hole in the sailboat’s hull can feel like damage to the entire boat. But with the hull made from fiberglass, I had more options than I initially thought.  The essential equipment: a respirator, a sanding disk, fiberglass and acetone, safety goggles, gel coat and resin including buckets and rags to make the overall process that much smoother. Click here to see the result.

When you dock your boat at the marina, you're hoping it'll be safe after you leave. Especially when you are a supporting member of the yacht club. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, even if the resulting damage isn't even technically your fault.  With some crooked and dishonest people in charge of the club a situation becomes rapidly a nightmare. What happend during the winter break? Click here for the full story with pictures.

The leaves are falling, the days are getting shorter and winter is rapidly approaching. It's the sad reality that the sailing season is coming to an end. Sunny days and clear skies will soon be replaced by snow and ice. But PEL61 is ready for it's winter break at the marina.

Busy weekend with PEL61 at the Royal Yacht Club Ostend. Cleaning the hull and applying a new layer of antifouling. Taking the best route ensuring maximum durability! Click here for pictures on my youtube community page.

This first season was one of trial and error but also one of amazing moments at sea. Together with the support of friends I was able to experience and to enjoy every moment at sea. Solo day trips and sailings with enthusiastic crew. Still lot's to learn though. Wave by wave we're getting closer to the adventure of my live. Sailing to the DRC in 2026. Click here and enjoy the compilation video of season 2024 on youtube!

More than 150 impressive ships, from majestic three-masters to unique smaller sloops, this was Ostend at Anchor2024, in which it was my pleasure to participate with PEL61! Thank you Cpt Roger Hostens, Renee Lodewijckx & Iwein Scheer for your assistance. Many thanks to all my friends and sympathizers for the numerous visits on board and support for my project! Click here and enjoy a compilation of pictures taken during Ostend at Anchor 2024!

13th of april became a day to remember forever! I am truly grateful for this special moment, sailing PEL61 singlehanded. First time alone on a wide wide sea. Making memories and celebrating the birthday of a late soulmate. Wherever you are, thank you for helping me to throw off the bowlines and sail away from the safe harbor! “For when the cold winds blow, I will close my eyes calmly, knowing I am anchored to you.” -Tyler Knott Gregson 

Farewell to 2023 and farewell to the shipyard. Finally sailing to our new berth at the Royal Yachtclub of Ostend. The RYCO is the oldest yachtclub of Belgium. The marina is situated at the end of the harbour, has a direct acces to the sea and can be reached at any state of the tide, even by boats of deep draught.