The recent emergence of the OK dinghy in Palma de Mallorca has attracted a multitude of top-level sailors into this exciting single-handed class. During the last two years the local fleet has grown to around 20 boats, all based out of Royal Club Nautico Palma. With unprecedented support from RCNP, local sailor Mark Branagh was able to convince the international OK dinghy committee to allow them to host the 2024 European Championship. The event took place on the 28th of October attracted 82 sailors from 14 different countries, some as far field as Brazil, Argentina, Australia and even New Zealand.
Being one of the fastest growing dinghy fleets worldwide and with no shortage of ex-Olympic and world-class champions, the event was set to be a true battle of the titans.
Despite a good forecast, the first day of racing was abandoned late in the afternoon due to lack of wind. The fleet was held ashore until the breeze was up to 8 knots but by the time they arrived on the course area, the wind had died completely. The bay had been enveloped in sea fog early in the morning and this never really cleared enough for the breeze to become established.
Day two saw UK’s Charlie Cumbley, the previous world and European champion, leading the fleet after the first three races. Luke Deegan, from New Zealand, in second, on equal points with Britain’s Matt Howard. All three took a race win each.
The predicted forecast came good with a very shifty north-easterly 8-15 knots, which kept everyone on their toes. The race management from Gaspar Morey and the RCNP team were slick, with fast turnarounds and just one general recall.
Defending Champion, Cumbley, won the opening race after leading all the way by a comfortable margin. Luke Deegan recovered from around sixth at the top to cross second with Howard third. Cumbley also led the next race, but Deegan passed him at the top of the second upwind and extended downwind for the win. Sweden’s Niklas Edler was also making a charge and just got the overlap on Cumbley at the last leeward mark to take second. Howard then dominated the final race leading all the way round. Behind him there was an intense battle with Cumbley climbing up to second and Britain’s Andy Davis just pipping Tim Petetin, from France, for third on the finish line.
With an orange weather alert in place, no racing was possible on the third day. A decision was made early morning to cancel racing for the day. The alert was set to stay in place until 0800 on Saturday when a further decision would be made.
With great relief, the alert was lifted on day four and the fleet set out for another 3 planned races. Unfortunately, the wind only allowed one race in the late afternoon which saw big wind shifts that were taken advantage of by many.
Local sailor Luke Deegan held his nerve to take another win with Sweden’s Niklas Edler second and Poland’s, Pawel Pawlaczyk in third.
Day 5 was unfortunately abandoned but not after the resilient race committee tried at least five times to get the race started in exceptionally light winds.
Luke Deegan took the overall trophy and commented “A really tough day, again tricky on the mind, but I’m happy with the result from yesterday. I really love Palma and for sure we haven’t seen the best of what it can offer. But the regatta has been really well organised, everyone is super friendly in the fleet, congratulating me and helping me out where I need it, and so all good.”
Despite the light and unpredictable winds in Palma at this time of year the sailing club and race committee did an absolutely fantastic job of getting in as much racing as possible. On shore there was great entertainment and as a surprise to the sailors an ever-flowing beer tap to keep everyone happy. The now infamous crew party was hosted by local company BMComposites which also was the main sponsor of the event. With also thanks to co-sponsors Doyle Sails and C-Tech for their help. Club representative Vivi Mainemare and team did a fantastic job to organise the event and made sure every detail was looked after.
As the fleet departed, sailors are already looking forward to next year’s championships, with large fleets expected at both events. The 2025 European Championship will be in Warnemünde, Germany, one of the classes all-time favourite venues for its big waves and clean winds. At least 150 boats are expected. The 2025 World Championship will be on Lake Garda, Italy. There are already 180 pre-entries, and over 200 boats are not out of the question.
For full results go to: https://www.regatas.eu/2024-okeuropeans
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