OK class during the Ovington Inlands at Grafham Water Sailing Club

OKs during the Ovington Inlands at Grafham © Beth Tate

The OK fleet were grateful to Ovington Boats for an invitation to the Ovington Inlands event hosted by Grafham Water S.C on 19/20 March.

After some hibernation by the OK fleet throughout the Winter, it came as a bit of a shock on Saturday morning to find that four races back-to-back were planned in the 23-27 knot winds expected. The fleets psych wasn't helped by Patric Mure talking about how cold it was, and he's from Sweden!

Saturday's racing was full on with big gusts and many swims from most of the fleet at some time.

Andy Davis certainly showed he had added high winds OK sailing to his skill set and looked comfortable all day. He didn't have it all his own way however with Richard Burton pushing him hard and pinching a race win in a very tight battle. Jamie Morgan, OK newbie, also had a good day and showed real skill in getting the boat to the favoured course most of the time. Tony Woods was cursing a capsize at the end of Race 3 whilst challenging for 2nd which took the shine off a consistent day.

By the time the fleet had showered and gathered in the Club a plan to visit 'The Wheatsheaf' was hatched. Unfortunately some of the old timers couldn't walk and remained where they were. It had been a tough day.

Saturday night also gave an opportunity to get togged up in the new Vaikobi produced 2023 OK Worlds Polo shirts, and Hoodies, and very smart they look to. The kit has been generously gifted by Ovington Boats to the Association in order to raise much needed funds to host a Superb OK Worlds at Lyme Regis in 2023. Order yours at an Open meeting soon.

Sunday dawned with a strange red ball in the sky and thankfully the breeze had decreased to a comfortable 10 knots. This increased to 15 knots in the morning before dying away towards the end of the day.

The racing was even tighter than Saturday with wind bends, mixed with wind shifts, and big pressure differences to exercise the brain instead of the legs.

Taxi again had a great day winning 2 out of the 3 races with Alex Scoles having a better day and gaining a race win. This secured a great win for Taxi overall after a polished performance throughout. Tony Woods had another good day to take 2nd overall whilst Jamie Morgan secured third. A great effort by Jamie in his first Open Meeting.

Congratulations to Grafham Water S.C for some superb Race management on Bravo course which meant square lines, true beats, and fast turn rounds.

Thank you from the OK fleet. Thanks again to Ovington Boats a real class supporter in every way.

Upwards and onwards to the next OK event at Burghfield S.C on 9th April. Not to be missed.

Overall Results: