OK Dinghy French National Championships at Quiberon
by Nick Craig and Martin Bower 19 Jul 2013 13:09 BST
Fire after the OK Dinghy French National Championships at Quiberon © OK Class
The OK fleet were treated to a magnificent 3 days of sailing and hospitality at the National French sailing centre in Quiberon. The Europeans are next week with over 70 boats pre-entered so this was a useful warm-up regatta for 20 boats from 6 countries. Whilst a small fleet it was highly competitive with 4 former World Champions and an Olympian competing
Light winds meant there were only 4 races and with patchy breeze, there were 4 different race winners but Greg Wilcox (NZL) was the most consistent to add to his large collection of titles. Student Guillaum De Kervenoael took the French title
This was quite possibly the best value sailing event ever with 35 euros per night covering accommodation, breakfast, lunch and a 3 course dinner including second helpings. No wonder the Finn sailors who the event was shared with were smiling!
The French know how to run a sailing centre with excellent on-site facilities, lots of space for camping and even a private beach!
On the last night, sailors were treated to a champagne and oysters reception in the non-stop sunshine and a fine French meal. Afterwards the organisers asked everyone to step outside for a surprise and there was a lively firework display.
The real surprise followed with a firework lighting up the dry grass, setting off a fire that rose to 20 feet high just as the DJ was playing 'Relight my fire'! Thankfully it was only grass that burned and no-one was hurt after 2 fire engines arrived to put out a blaze that had spread to 100 metres wide. Good job really as coming back to this fantastic venue would be challenging if it had burnt to the ground.
The Europeans start in Carnac with a practice race on Sunday.
Results
1 Greg Wilcox, NZL, 5 points
2 Stefan Mylarf, DEN, 7 points
3 Jorgen Lindhardtsen, DEN, 10 points
4 Nick Craig, GBR, 10 points
5 Thomas Hansson-Mild, SWE, 12 points
6 Tomasz Gaz, POL, 14 points
Martin Bower was the other GBR entrant, and finished 13th.