2015 International OK National Championship preview

by OK Dinghy on 20 Aug 2015 With the British OK National Championship looming a little more than a week away the fleet is preparing for what looks to be an intense battle on Weymouth Bay. Entries have already topped 30 boats and we are expecting a number of last minute entries.

A new National Champion will be crowned as current champion, Jim Hunt, is unable to attend. There are several former National Champions looking to reclaim the title. Thrice-champion, Terry Curtis, has home advantage but you wouldn’t count out 2012 Champion Lee Child who has been sailing very consistently all year. Robert Deaves is twice a winner and Dave Carroll, has made the long trip from Africa in an attempt to reclaim the coveted title!

Despite all the former Champions in the field the bookies favorite is Charlie Cumbley who returns for his second attempt having had a very successful year in Europe - winning the Medemblik Spring Cup and Kiel Week. He recently finished second at his first OK World Championships in Poland surely making him the favorite this year.

Other strong contenders for the title are Richard Burton, who recently finished 10th in Poland and Jon Fish who are more than capable of race wins.

The Programme

The excellent Weymouth Sailing Club are hosting the event and racing will take place on Weymouth Bay which always provides excellent sailing conditions. There are eight races scheduled over the four days of racing with no more than three races on any day.

Registration starts at 9am on Thursday 27th August with a competitors briefing scheduled for 12pm. The first points race is scheduled to start at 2pm.

Off the water, Social Sue, has been hard at work organising a topical quiz night, a group meal at a local Italian restaurant (pre-booking required) and also a great programme of activities for the wives, partners and children on-shore including a day trip to Corfe Castle. No doubt an element of the fleet will also be looking to reacquaint themselves with the infamous Weymouth nightclub, Rendezvous for some serious partying into the early hours!

Loan Boats Required!

If you are unable to attend the Championship there are a number of very good sailors from other classes keen to try their hand in an International OK dinghy. This is a great way to help the class grow as many of these first time OK sailors will go on to buy their own boats so they can compete against the best amateur dinghy sailors in... the World!

Entry Fees

Standard Entry - £80
Youth, Junior and Helms competing at their first OK Nationals - £40

Entry is available online here.