book
here
Back to The Ostendian

Hubert Rubbens

Driving force behind Oostende Voor Anker

© Nick Decombel

° 13/03/1964, Oostende

Hubert Rubbens is the driving force behind Oostende voor Anker, the largest maritime festival in Belgium. What started in 2000 as a modest celebration with a few boats grew under his leadership into an annual spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.

With a dedicated team of volunteers – the legendary red trousers, named after their distinctive work attire – Hubert made the festival a fixture in Oostende. After 22 editions, he stepped down as curator in 2024, but his passion and vision remain a compass for the event.

Even without holding the helm, Hubert remains a source of inspiration for everyone who holds Oostende and its maritime heritage close to their heart.

© Toerisme Oostende

© Toerisme Oostende

Oostende voor Anker is the event for anyone interested in maritime history. More than 150 historical ships set course for the harbor, from majestic three-masters to small sloops, each with its own story.

The streets and squares around the docks buzz with activity. Visitors can discover old maritime crafts, taste freshly smoked or fried fish, and be carried away by music and street theater. Artisans demonstrate their skills, while skippers and crew members share their adventures with young and old.

With a unique mix of maritime tradition, gastronomy, and music, Oostende voor Anker remains a must-visit event where you can literally smell, taste, and experience the sea.

oostendevooranker.be

His passion and vision will forever remain as a compass for the event.
Back to The Ostendian
book
here