“He was first of all a very nice person. I sailed with him just two years ago when we won the Swan Europeans. So he was not only a brilliant sailor, but he was a good man and it is very sad to lose a friend like that.” Bouwe Bekking – movistar

“He was so dedicated to the sport and this race – he really did love it. You could see, when he got into the dock, the huge grin he would have from ear to ear. He was a fantastic team player who worked really hard to get the best for the whole team. I can’t say enough good things about him. He will be sadly missed, not only in our team, but in the world.” Mike Sanderson ABN AMRO ONE.

Sailing around the world was Horrevoets’ dream. He loved this race. It had been an ambition towards which he had strived since he was a boy. On his website he wrote, “As a child, I just had one goal in my life: sailing regattas! My biggest dream was sailing the Whitbread Round the World Race. Racing around the world on a W60 was my largest passion.”

“As a trimmer and a sail maker on board BrunelSunergy (Whitbread Round the World Race 1997-98) I sailed all legs. I was only 22 years old when the race began. This was an experience no one can ever take away from me!” To get that opportunity again this time round was, as he said, “Just magic.”

Such passion didn’t dwindle during 32 years of a life that ended so abruptly this morning. He was never anything less than enthusiastic and happy. Even when performances were bad he could be found laughing in the bar or with his family, friends and crew mates, for sailing to Hans was so much more than a job. It was, like it is for so many who make a living from this sport, far more enriching than that. Sailing, for Hans, satisfied a need for adventure, a desire to be tested, and above all it allowed him to be close to the ocean.

But beyond the loss, people are already beginning to realise the huge gain they made in their lives having met Hans. He will be missed, but also fondly remembered with a smile.

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