The afternoon programme consisted of the LCL North Sea Regatta, in which participants had to sail a course marked by buoys. The yachts made their way out of the marina, hoisted their sails and prepared for the start. The starting signal was given using a system of flags and on-board radios. The participants had to put everything they had learned into practice in two races. Steering a yacht turned out not to be a simple matter, and the jury were extremely strict, disqualifying all boats that sailed around a buoy the wrong way.
In the end, the crew of the ‘Manta Sailing’ snatched victory twice. The crew, led by Michel Lefèbvre (the father of Yannick Lefèbvre, one of Belgium’s most famous sailors), had a reputation to defend and went home with the LCL North Sea Regatta Trophy. The day was summed up well by the jury: “even when the horizon is in sight, reaching your destination isn't always easy.” However, persistence wins.