It will be the biggest OK Dinghy world championship ever in the UK, and one of the biggest of all time. Currently there are 144 entries from 13 countries, highlighting the current growth and enthusiasm for sailing this fantastic singlehander. The previous record was set in 2012 in Vallensbæk, Denmark, with 145 entries.
The huge fleet has been split into four colour groups, racing each other in turn during a six-race opening series before they are split into gold and silver groups for the final series of four races.
Equipment inspection and registration begins on Friday 23 June with a 10-race series scheduled from Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June.
Such a huge fleet follows on from several years of growth in the class, largely led by a 10-year strategic plan, attractive events, and venues along with a range of boatbuilders producing quality and eye-catching boats. Over 100 boats at the world championship is now becoming normal for the class, which used to struggle to attract 70-80 boats. In addition, many top British dinghy sailors have joined the class, attracted by the high level of competition and the great social atmosphere for which the class is famous - or infamous.
Lyme Regis Sailing Club, in Dorset is hosting the championship with help from the British class association and a huge number of sponsors. It has been a mammoth effort from a lot of people to bring the event together and the British team have been training hard at the venue, The recent period of very light winds seems to have lifted with days filled with sunshine and 8-12 knots for those putting in some last minuted training. The forecast for the event looks good with a sailable wind through the week.
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