Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Twins Froukje and Diemer Feenstra aiming high for F16 Worlds

by Diana Bogaards 20 Jul 2013 17:26 HKT 22-26 July 2013
Froukje and Diemer Feenstra after a training session for the 2013 F16 Worlds © Team Boskalis

Team Boskalis with the twins Froukje and Diemer Feenstra (NED) will be aiming for a top ranking at the World Championships F16 in Travemünde, Germany. This global showdown in the smaller sister of the popular F18 catamaran, commences next Monday July 22. To date there are 33 pre-entries, representing 9 countries.

'We expect this number to rise', comments Froukje Feenstra. 'I think it's difficult to name a favourite at this stage, but I know there are strong Belgian and French teams present. In addition, it is cool that a South African duo will participate, we don't see that often in Europe. We are very curious how they are going to perform.'

About their objective for the 2013 F16 Worlds says Froukje Feenstra: 'We want to use all the knowledge and experience, gained in the preparatory training and racing period of this season, for a very good result. One that we can be proud of. We find it tricky to name a final outcome though. That depends on the weather and last-minute registrations of competitors, but we are convinced that apart from these conditions we will compete for the top positions."

'One of our learning points of the preseason is that it is key to keep up the speed of a F16. Furthermore, it remains important to always count on your own strengths and to do as few crazy things or making mistakes as possible. Unlike the Formula 18, that I sailed last year, big speed differences do easily develop. Also between the different boat types.'

'Therefore we're trying to optimize our speed to get the best out of the boat. Together with Peter Vink of Performance Sails we have tuned the Nacra 16, with a carbon mast and new sail. Obviously we have to search for the right settings now, but we have confidence in being fast now."

It is also summer in Germany and that means little breeze. However, brother and sister Feenstra are happy with this weather: 'For us, it's perfectly fine to train in light conditions, because we expect to have the most trouble in these circumstances. Compared to the other teams, we are a lot heavier. When the wind blows, I know that Diemer and I can go fast on the F16. In light wind we must be more careful. We should avoid doing crazy things, we need sharpness and we should try to compensate our extra weight by being strong in the tactical and strategic area.'

Last year, the Feenstra twins joined forces on the F18 at the Nacra European Championships on the Bodensee. With a bronze medal as a result. The follow-up comes next week. 'In recent times, Diemer has rowed a lot and he has been ill for a period, which makes it very special to be back on a boat with him and to compete in the Worlds. Some years ago, I had never thought that we would be able to do this again. Now he is very fit and we are practicing and preparing for the races.' According to sister Feenstra it is a benefit that they are twins: 'Because we really grew up together and raced against each other as competitors, we do know each other's qualities and we try to strengthen those as a team.'

The final race will be sailed on Friday July 26 2013.

www.teamboskalis.com

Related Articles

Admiral's Cup David Maynard Wednesday Gallery
A quieter day on the Solent for the international fleet Wednesday's Admiral's Cup inshore racing in the Solent didn't quite have the wind of yesterday, but David Maynard was out on the water to catch the action in the morning before the wind switched off for a while. Posted today at 5:04 pm
Sam Goodchild announced as Henri-Lloyd Ambassador
One of Britain's finest offshore racers has chosen the British sailing apparel brand As one of Britain's finest offshore racers, it is fitting that Sam Goodchild has chosen to become an ambassador for British sailing apparel brand, Henri-Lloyd. Posted today at 2:30 pm
Admiral's Cup Tim Jeffreys Tuesday Photo Gallery
Enjoy getting this close to the action with his shots! Another great gallery of Admiral's Cup photos from Tuesday's inshore racing has arrived in our inbox, this time from Tim Jefferys. Enjoy getting this close to the action with his shots! Posted today at 11:54 am
Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue set for Rolex Fastnet Race
Peter Burling joins Tom Laperche and Franck Cammas on record breaking Ultim Skippered by Tom Laperche, the Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue will line up this Saturday, July 26, for the Rolex Fastnet Race - a legendary event the team won in 2023, setting a new race record. Posted today at 10:28 am
Admiral's Cup Paul Wyeth Tuesday Photo Gallery
The photos are coming in thick and fast from the amazing racing in the Solent The photos are coming in thick and fast from the amazing racing in the Admiral's Cup. Paul Wyeth has sent us this great selection of shots. Posted today at 7:09 am
New Zealand: 18 footer innovators
Strong contributors to the 18ft Skiff's evolution over the years David McDiarmid's Honda Marine 18 footer team had just completed its three-in-a-row winning run at the 2020 JJ Giltinan World Championship on Sydney Harbour when the Covid pandemic hit and suspended the New Zealand 18ft skiff challenge until 2024. Posted today at 6:34 am
Admiral's Cup Ingrid Abery Tuesday Photo Gallery
We're always thankful to Ingrid Abery for sending in her superb photos at events We're always thankful to Ingrid Abery for sending in her superb photos at events and she continually seems to be in the right place at the right time. Posted today at 6:08 am
WASZP Games 2025 Day 2
A fresh 18 knot breeze served up champagne foiling conditions After tough conditions out in the bay on Day 1, Day 2 brought all fleets into the flatter waters of Portland Harbour, where a fresh 18 knot breeze served up champagne foiling conditions. Posted today at 4:57 am
Admirals Cup: Splits emerge on Day 2
The 30 boat fleet competing in the 2025 Admirals' Cup have begun to sort themselves into some order The 30 boat fleet competing in the 2025 Admirals' Cup have begun to sort themselves into a top group, which has begun a break away from the peleton. Posted today at 12:03 am
Admiral's Cup Inshore Racing Starts
Full-throttle Inshore Warfare The opening inshore clash of the 2025 Admiral's Cup was a gritty, high-octane showdown packed with drama and razor-sharp tactics. Posted on 22 Jul
Sydney Boat Show 2025 - Apply to ExhibitNavico Asia Zeus3S FOOTERArmstrong 728x90 - HA Foil Range - BOTTOM