At a gala evening that was high on emotion, Belgian Yachtsman of The Year, Michel Kleinjans, was honoured by civic and sailing officials in his home town of Antwerp.

Celebrations of Kleinjans’ winning solo circumnavigation in The Portimao Global Ocean Race 2008-09 began at the historic building of the National Bank of Belgium in Antwerp where a reception for some 200 VIP’s was hosted by Luc Muylaert, Director of the National Bank’s Antwerp branch and his wife.

Against a big-screen backdrop of images from Kleinjans’ amazing adventure, this now famous Son of Antwerp was presented to the audience via a number of congratulatory speeches by Luc Muylaert, Director of the National Bank of Belgium in Antwerp, Carl Winters, Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Belgium and Koen Helsen, The Deputy Minister of Sports and Economics for the Province of Antwerp.

Josh Hall and Catherine Sparkes from the Race Organisation Team were also invited and Hall introduced Kleinjans to the audience with an emotional recount of the sailor’s many exploits of the previous year.

“Keeping his mast upright despite broken chain-plates on Leg 1, turning back into Southern Ocean conditions to standby Nico Budel aboard his stricken yacht on Leg 2 and surviving a collision with a cargo ship on Leg 4 are all examples of the talent, determination and fortitude of this remarkable sailor,” said Hall.  “We are so proud of you, the whole of Belgium is proud of you and we wish you the very best in all that you and your wonderful family do together in the future.”

Kleinjans then gave a personal account of his voyage with a Question and Answer-style interview on stage, which provided a real insight to his adventure.

The celebrations then continued at the beautiful riverside Club House of the Royal Yacht Club of Belgium, where a formal dinner for 170 guests was held.

Kleinjans was presented with a beautiful painting of his yacht “Roaring Forty” approaching Cape Horn by local artist Ivan Good and was deservedly made an Honorary Life Member of the famous Club.

The Club also recognised the efforts involved by the Race Organisers and presented Race Director Josh Hall with a painting of the Club House.

After-dinner entertainment was in the form of a 45 minute film of Kleinjans’ race that was edited by the Portimao Race cameraman, Clive Lonsdale, who was also invited for the festivities.  The audience was held spellbound by the images and a standing ovation for Kleinjans ended a truly remarkable evening for a truly remarkable man.

by Oliver Dewar

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 October 2009 )