No let up for the Australian OK Dinghy Class - looking toward to 2025

David Clark, 2024 Australian OK Dinghy Champion © Robert Deaves / www.robertdeaves.uk

Under normal cycles, you would think coming off the back of a home World Championship in Australia, there might be a lull in the OK dinghy class. But now, there is a carrot being dangled - to sail the next worlds at Riva Del Garda, Italy in 2025.

The chance to sail in the revered Ora winds of Lake Garda is too appealing for many. There is the likelihood of Australia sending three containers with up to 30 boats from Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, with the Aussie contingent keen to participate in what is expected to be the biggest OK Dinghy Worlds to date, with over 200 entries expected at Lake Garda.

So, there is no let up in the local Australian fleets, with anticipation building for a strong field at the 2025 Australian OK dinghy Championships being hosted by Black Rock Yacht Club on Port Phillip.

Southerly Sea breezes are always anticipated during the height of summer, when the Nationals are being held from Saturday 4th Jan - Tuesday 7th Jan, 2025. Racing is scheduled to start at 2pm daily, right when the sea breeze kicks in, with 8 races scheduled over the 4 days. Entry is $320, with a discounted fee of $160 being offered to encourage Under 23 participation. Additional support for U23's can also be applied for through the Clive Roberts Trust, which supports junior sailors of the OK Dinghy class in Australia.

Black Rock has always been a stronghold for the OK class in Victoria, with plenty of Australian Champions calling Black Rock home, including dual World Champion Roger Blassé and multiple Australian title holders Mark Jackson and Andre Blassé who are hoping to attend.

Interstate travellers are already lining up including entries from Anthony Galante and Brendon Green, leading the entries from Perth. Additionally, Glenn and Brent Williams from Adelaide who are currently competing in the European Championships in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, along with Roger Blassé and Mark Jackson, are also planning to attend.

David Clark, the current OK Dinghy Australian Champion from the Brisbane Nationals, says he can't wait to sail at Black Rock YC again. A member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, and training out of Woollahra SC, he is keen to get his training group including Ben Sharp, Rob McMillan and Brett Morris back out on the water. He sailed at Black Rock for the 23/24 Victorian championships in the lead up to the Brisbane worlds, and now describes sailing on Port Phillip as "My new favourite sailing venue - big sea breezes and big waves. I can't wait to get back there. I have been working on my hiking fitness over winter and have now got the boat back at the Club. I am looking forward to being back training on the water"

Entries and the Notice of Race are available through the Black Rock Yacht Club website here, and close on the 15th December 2024.

Further information on the Clive Roberts Trust here for assistance to U23 sailors.