OK Nationals preview

Craig Ni previews the form for this weekend at Stokes Bay

The OK Nationals, taking place Saturday to Monday at Stokes Bay promises to be a big one with renewed interest in the class following the move to carbon masts and this being the 4th and last qualifier for the 2004 Worlds at Parkstone.

The OK Worlds only comes to the UK every 10 years or so and is always a quality event with a limited entry fleet of 12-15 countries making for excellent international sailing. It comes as no surprise that some 70 boats have been competing over the year in the Qualifiers for the 13 guaranteed places for next years Worlds so there will be a fierce tussle for those final slots.

However, the event won't all be about the superstars going for the Worlds. With 2nd hand OKs in mint condition available for less than £2000 and people winning open meetings in boats costing less than £1000 the class has seen substantial grass roots growth recently which could see it return to the 60 boat turnout of 3 years ago.

The in-form sailors for the Nationals are Bart Bomans from Belgum and Jim Hunt. Bomans just dominated the European Championships and is expected to come to try to add the British Open Nationals to his considerable silverware collection. Hunt has dominated most classes he has sailed and has won all the UK opens this year and was also on the pace at the Europeans, narrowly missing a bronze medal. Bomans is light, Hunt is known for his power sailing. However, Hunts fast new Proctor/Norths rig is well suited to light/medium winds whereas Bomans Swedish rig is reputed to be fast in breeze so it should prove an interesting battle.

Reigning Champion Nick Craig is also using the Proctor/North rig but has been in a RS400 most of the year so will be a strong contender so long as he doesn't rely on his crew to do all the hiking out. Dave Carroll has come very close to winning for the last 2 years so will be pushing hard again this year.

Terry Curtis has developed a Superspar/P&B carbon rig and has been going quick this year, was top 10 at the Europeans and is more than capable of winning races though has not been able to beat Hunt or Bomansso far.

With light offshore winds forecast, pondlife Neil Goodhead will have a big smile on his face. He has been showing excellent light wind speed all year, as has young Will Turner.

Racing promises to be high quality with 8 races in 3 days run by a professional race officer. Even with this heavy racing schedule, the OKs will no doubt still be showing their legendary ability to party & drink sailing clubs dry!