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Great Britain, Results 1996

October 27th to December 22nd 1996, Ardleigh Winter Series

By Andy Turner

Ardleigh Winter series ran from October 27th to December 22nd 1996. Seventeen races were sailed with twelve to count.

Robert Deaves had the greatest number of first places (8) followed by David Carroll (4) and Andy Turner (4).Conditions varied from windy for the first three weekends to light to medium fluky Deaves roll tacking weather in the middle.

Alistair Deaves started the series rather late on December 1st with his newly purchased ex Chris Chatfield's OK 2046 and proceeded to produce a good series of results, although not enough to be in the running for overall honours.Ken Carroll sailed consistently through the series, whatever the weather. David Carroll led the series for the first ten races, then succumbed to other distractions from Bristol but still managed third overall.

It was good to see some younger/newer faces in the fleet, occasionally having their good moments, including Steve Carroll, Will Turner, Brian Quayle and Philip Hetzel. Ken is setting up a series of training days across the Eastern region in 1997 to raise the quality of OK sailing and hopefully attract more members to the class.

The Ardleigh Frostbite series starts on January 5th and runs until March 9th 1997.The Ardleigh OK Open Meeting is on Saturday October 11th 1997.

August 25, Dabchicks SC, West Mersea

By Chris Biscomb (OK GBR 2036), IOKDBCA (International OK Dinghy British Class Association)

Dabchicks S.C. at West Mersea held an inaugural meeting for OK's on 25AUG. Excellent conditions prevailed being generally sunny with a good wind.

Race one was won by Nick Craig followed by Greg Casey and Russ Ward.

After Lunch two races were held. Race two was again won by Nick Craig followed by Rob Deaves and Greg Casey. For race three Greg Casey pulled out all the stops and managed to prevent a whitewash by Nick, the result being:- Greg Casey followed by Nick Craig and Rob Deaves.

Overall Results

1. Nick Craig
2. Greg Casey
3. Rob Deaves

August 3-11, OK World Championship 1996, Varberg, Sweden

By Greg Casey, IOKDBCA (International OK Dinghy British Class Association)

The Ringhals OK world championship was held at Varberg, Sweden on August 3-11. The entry was limited to 80 boats from 12 countries and included three Olympic sailors, one of whom, Mateusz Kusznierewicz, won the gold medal in the Finn class this year. He flew straight from Savannah in time for measuring and the practice race. A strong contingent from Australia and New Zealand came in expectation of large waves and strong breezes off Sweden's west coast but the week was dominated by offshore easterlies and relatively flat water.

The International Jury operated the Yellow Flag rule on the water for the first time at an OK worlds. Despite much initial concern the event was well policed with only a handful of Rule 54 infringements but no competitor suffered the ultimate disqualification. When racing started several pre-regatta favourites, including Kusznierewicz, Karsten Hitz (Germany) and reigning world champion Bjorn Forslund of Sweden, were unable to live up to their hopes after a couple of early bad results.

The winner of the first race, Boguslaw Moczordynski (Poland) was later disqualified for a collision at the start, which allowed Anders Persson (Sweden) into first place.

The second race was dominated by the development of a sea breeze which turned the second reach into a beat. The race was eventually won by Denmark's Anders Andersen followed by countryman Tom Pedersen. Christian Carlsson (Sweden) was third.

The Danish challenge continued in the third race, Jorgen Lindhartsen winning. Kiwi Nigel Mannering was runner-up, Andersen third. The fourth race was held after a four hour drift on the Baltic, awaiting the breeze which, when it arrived, grew to 15 knots, making for a very confused sea. Carlsson was the winner, Australian Roger Blasse runner-up and Mats Caap (Sweden) was third. The fifth race was held immediately afterwards, and Blasse rounded off an excellent day by winning. Caap, having nearly as good a day, by finishing second, and Carlsson, by now beginning to show very consistent form, was third. The sixth race was held in a light and variable wind and was won by Carlsson. Tony Clifford (New Zealand) was second and Hans Elkjaer (Sweden) third.

By now Hedley Fletcher (UK) had put together a consistent series counting three results in the top ten and no result outside the top 15. By the start of the last race this left Fletcher seventh overall and with the chance of a medal if he did well in the final race. Carlsson was in a very strong position to take the gold medal, only needing to finish 34th or better to be sure of victory.

The final race was started after a general recall and was led at the windward mark by Giles Hudson (UK) with another Briton, Dan Ager, close behind, and Fletcher 37th. By the end of the second beat Fletcher was up to third place and Carlsson had retired after a bad capsize. His title seemed less secure with Caap needing to finish only in the top 20 to win. On the final beat Fletcher took the lead which he held to the finish; Caap, going the wrong way on the beat, could finish only 44th. This sequence of events meant that Fletcher took the silver medal, the best result that a British OK sailor has ever achieved. Carlsson was safe in his victory due to Caap's poor performance, and so Sweden once again took the gold medal.

The event was sponsored by Ringhals, who supply nuclear power to Sweden. Their sponsorship provided various forms of entertainment, including a trip to a power station, dinner and an afternoon of match racing.

The OK worlds match racing championship was held in the harbour with a representative from each country. An audience of 4,000 people in the harbour saw the event, which also had national TV coverage. The winner was Bart Bomans (Belgium) who had beaten Alistair Deaves (UK), Kusznierewicz and then Blasse in the final.

Sweden once again organised an excellent event. They were rewarded with a maximum entry, good weather and a very appreciative fleet.

Overall Results

1. Christian Carlsson (SWE) 65.1 pts
2. Hedley Fletcher (GBR) 70.7
3. Martin von Zimmermann (GER) 85.7

Other British Placings

• 30. Alistair Deaves
• 32. Gavin Waldron
• 33. Kenneth Carroll
• 41. Giles Hudson
• 42. Greg Casey
• 55. David Carroll
• 58. Dan Ager
• 65. Alan Atkin
• 73. Mary Reddyhoff
• 77. Mike Edwards

1996 British Eastern Area Championship

June 15-16, Felixstowe Ferry SC, Felixstowe Ferry

A fleet of 18 OK's arrived at a hot and sunny Felixstowe Ferry SC for the Eastern area championship on June 15-16. Relatively light winds and a Spring tide made for a tactically challenging weekend.

Robert Deaves led from start to finish in the first race, coming off the line on port tack in his new all glass boat from Andy Rushworth. Second was John Ball. Duncan Matthews showed that he still knew a thing or two, coming in third after a ten year break from sailing OKS, and Terry Curtis was fourth.

National champion Hedley Fletcher led the second race, closely pursued by Ball and Curtis. Curtis broke through to second place, but Fletcher covered successfully to finish first. A determined David Carroll eventually passed Ball to take third place with Ball fourth.

The wind was lighter still on Sunday, but the third race was underway after a short postponement. Carroll made a good start to lead the fleet round the windward mark, pursued by Matthews, Fletcher and David Rose. Carroll sailed well to win with Matthews second and Fletcher third.

The final race was the decider, and Fletcher won in good style with Carroll second, Matthews blew his chance when he capsized in virtually no wind and Deaves finished third.

1996 British National Championship

May 25-31, Mayflower SC, Plymouth

The fleet was made very welcome and the sun shone for registration and safety checks prior to Sunday's practice race.

For the first points race on Monday in a Force 4 wind, the course was laid at sea. Hedley Fletcher took an early lead closely followed by Andy Turner and D Carroll. Positions changed off wind with Giles Hudson and Nick Craig moving into third and fourth positions. The last beat produced a major wind shift which moved Carroll up to third, only to be beaten on the line by Craig. Fletcher won, with Turner second.

Two races were held on the Tuesday in a force 2-3. The first race of the day, race 2, saw Carroll take the lead, maintaining it until the last beat when he was overtaken by Fletcher. Carroll managed to snatch back the lead on the line. Third place went to Terry Curtis. An early lead was taken by Fletcher in the third points race. Craig was second followed by Carroll, and Alistair Deaves sailed well to finish fourth.

Light winds and a heavy swell prevailed for race 4. The start proved to be the key to this race and positions were virtually unchanged throughout. Fletcher won, D Carroll second and K Carroll third. Andy Turner sailed a perfect last leg to finish fourth.

The fifth race on the Thursday was sailed inside the breakwater due to poor visibility. The Royal Navy did its best to take part in the race, causing chaos amongst the fleet. Greg Casey, sailing his best race, capsized in the lee of a frigate. Fletcher sailed his championship with another win, Curtis finished second and D Carroll third, giving him an unbeatable second overall for the week.

Three people were on equal points for third overall at the start of the sixth race, K Carroll, Curtis and Craig. The wind was force 6-7 and racing was again held inside the breakwater. The two Carrolls and Fletcher, amongst others, took the righthand side of the course but the wind and tide left them all out of touch. Andy Turner sailed to the left corner, reaching the windward mark some 150 yards in the lead. Keith Byers found his form, only to capsize approaching the finish line but he recovered to finish third behind Curtis. Craig was fourth, K Carroll fifth.

Overall a good week of racing hosted superbly by Mayflower SC.

Best lady : M Reddyhoff
Best junior : A Dumbleton
Best veteran : K Carroll
Team Trophy : Waldringfield SC
Best newcomer : N Goodhead
Perseverance Award : W Croome

Thames Valley Series, Henley Open 19 May 96

The 3rd round of the OK Thames Valley series was held at Henley Sailing Club on Sunday 19th May. After having had very little wind at the open meetings so far this year, it seemed like the whole years allowance had arrived at once. With the wind gusting fiercely, often round in circles under the trees and the Nationals (or even Bourne End Week!) only a week away there were still at least 5 boats still on shore avoiding possible damage.

Terry Curtis, Gavin Waldron and Deryck Lovegrove established a lead over the pack with Waldron and Curtis pulling away, only to be threatened when they became involved in a display of synchronised capsizing to windward as they were hit by a very sharp header half way up the course. Curtis was first up but was soon overtaken close to the tricky windward mark. Some close covering helped Curtis regain the lead downwind, but during some close racing, Curtis once again capsized, this time his rudder also fell off and was not able to challenge for the lead. Lovegrove battled all the way without swimming to gain third place.

With a little more sunshine a few more boats ventured out after lunch. The race followed the same pattern with Waldron and Curtis pulling away and having some very close racing. Waldron seemed to have an edge beating under the trees to the windward mark with Curtis having more luck finding wind on the downwind leg. Eventually Curtis gave himself too much to do, having to do two sets of turns for hitting the windward mark.

With the meeting won and the wind rising under rainclouds the third race was cancelled by a unanimous vote, apart from Deryck, whose wife wasn't picking him up until 5.30. Still, the bar was open !

OK Dinghy Veterans Championship

Upper Thames Sailing Club May 11th 1996

A windless Saturday on the Thames provided tricky conditions for the seventeen entries for this event run alongside the OK junior championship.

In the first race Alan Atkin (Burghfield S.C.) pulled out a long lead to the finish first, followed by Chris Rathbone and Graham Curtis of the home club.

Alan had a major problem in the second race, sailed in similarly windless conditions, when his boat turned turtle whilst tied to the bank, and had to start late with his boat half full of water and the self bailers unwilling to function. This race was won by Graham Curtis, second Chris Rathbone and third was G Thompson from Henley Sailing Club.

The third race started with the wind doing 360 degree turns and the boats going nowhere. Eventually a fitful breeze filled in and a new leader in Graham Pierce materialised to win from Graham Curtis and Alan Atkin.

April 27-28, Whitstable YC

Whistable YC was the venue for the latest OK travellers trophy meeting on April 27-28. The competitors, who had travelled from as far as Ipswich,Poole and Wolverhampton, were greeted by brilliant sunshine and a very light but steady breeze.

The first race set the pattern for the weekend with some very close racing, all boats having the same speed so the smallest mistake could be very costly. With the chasing pack being preoccupied with each other, Mary Reddyhof used the opportunity to build a commanding lead which she held to the finish. Gavin Waldron just pipped Bob Bourne on the line and Mike Edwards crept into fourth place after giving the rest of the fleet a head start.

The second race was as close as the first, with the lead being held at some stage by what seemed to be most of the fleet. Those who took advantage of a wind bend off the land on the second beat managed to make a break and the race was eventually won by Edwards, with Reddyhof second and Mark Barnes third. Greg Casey showed some surprising light wind speed in fourth.

Sunday morning downed and the fat boys rubbed their hands with glee, but as the race started the breeze started to drop off leaving Neil Goodhead first, Barnes second and Waldron third. The last race was started in the lightest wind of the weekend and after another close race Edwards won followed by Goodhead and Barnes.

Spring Cup 1996

April 27-30, KZ & RV Hollandia, Medemblik, Holland

By Terry Curtis, IOKDBCA (International OK Dinghy British Class Association)

Seven British boats joined 33 OK's from Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and New Zealand in Medemblik, Holland, from the 28 - 30 April, for the annual Spring Cup.

The event was attended by most of the European contenders for the World Championship due to take place in Sweden later this year and is a good opportunity to check out the competition.

Saturday's racing was held in predominantly light airs, with Poland's Antoni Palowski winning the first race and Joern Richter from Germany winning the second. Hedley Fletcher lead home the British challenge with fifth and second places, followed by David Carroll with a sixth and a third.

Sunday brought bright sunshine and a building breeze which allowed the race committee to run 3 hard races. Palowski maintained his lead with a 1,4,3 scoreline, but a fast improving Karsten Hitz from Germany closed down the gap with two firsts and a second. Fletcher moved into third overall with 6,7,2. David Carroll picked up a useful fifth as did Giles Hudson and Ken Carroll.

On the final day the wind conditions only allowed one race in a very light, fitful breeze, which was only started after several hours of chasing the committee boat around the Islemeer in search of a steady wind. The race was won by Karsten Hitz, which put him into first overall. Fletcher came in second with Palowski third. Britain's Alan Atkin sailed well to come in seventh.

March 29-30, Burton SC

15 competitors sailed two races in light force one to two winds on Saturday. Racing was cancelled on Sunday due to a total lack of wind!!

Next racing is at Hythe and Saltwood 20-21st April and Whitstable Y.C. 27-28th April. All visitors welcome. Information from Greg Casey by telephone (+44 1634 360166), or Chris Biscomb by E-Mail (ChrisBisc@aol.com).

March 24, British Airways SC

British Airways Sailing Club was host to the OK Fleet on Sunday the 24th of March at Silverwing Lake, Wraysbury. Conditions were excellent with a 10-15 knot breeze giving exciting racing over three races.

Race One was closely contested from the start with Nick Craig (2042) narrowly winning from Terry Curtis (2074) with Alan Atkin (2071) in third position.

After lunch in race two Nick steamed away from the start. The rest of the fleet, fearing what he had put in his sandwiches (it looked like potted beef or mad cow pate) played safe and let him go to a massive win. Terry again came second and Neil Goodhead (2069) third.

The third race was a reverse of the first, as Nick showed no ill effects from lunch, Terry and Neil gave him a race for first place. The final placings being, first Terry, second Nick and third Neil.

This was the first event in the 1996 Thames Valley Area Travellers Trophy and good close racing was enjoyed by all.

Report by Malcolm Wenman (British Airways S.C.)
Retransmitted by Chris Biscomb (GBR 2036)