OK dinghies were introduced to Australia from 1958/1959. Research indicates that the initial contact was established when Will David from WA obtained the first sets of plans from Knud Olsen the designer of the OK Dinghy. OK No.1 “Skol” and OK No. 2 “Ole” were built in Hobart, Tasmania by Tom Kirkland and Tom Paxton and were launched at Sandy Bay on the Derwent River in late 1960. OK No. 3 was thought to have been built in Perth by Will David as that numbered set of plans was recorded as being issued to him. That may or may not be so as that number wound up in Cairns, Nth. Qld. on a boat named “Ugly” sailed by Hans Koenig.

OK No.5 “Vitesse” was built by Norm Fennell at Leichhardt in NSW and was first sailed at the Balmoral SC. Norm introduced others to the class in Sydney and soon a fleet was established at the Western Suburbs SC at Cabarita on Hen and Chicken Bay on the upper reaches of the Parramatta River. Our early OK Champions John Powell and John Hardie together with Norm Fennell, Don Board and others were responsible for the early success of the OKs at WSSC. Norm built his second OK, KA170 around 1962 and OK No.5 changed ownership to Alan Clark at Vaucluse YC and later to Jim Ley who came from Dubbo, NSW in those days. Jim continued to sail actively in the OK class well into the late 1970s. Norm Fennell moved on from the OKs to the Finn class where he was very active as a competitor and International Measurer.

In Victoria, a few members of Albert SC were sailing Finns left over following the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Commodore Bill Larkins introduced the OK to the club and the Victorian OK Dinghy Association was formed in 1960. The club adopted the class and a scheme to finance the building of several boats was instituted. A club OK was exhibited at the 1960 Boat Show. By the end of 1960/61 a total of 13 boats were either built or under construction by club members. The first Victorian OK Championship was held on Albert Park Lake in 1961 and was won by Bill Cass sailing “Jinx”.

Richard Blundell from Tasmania, ex Publicity Officer for the class in those early years built his first OK No. 20 “Shiralee” in the winter of 1961. OK No. 8 “Spartan” was built by John Howell and with another new OK No. 19 “Naiad” a fleet of five boats was then racing from Sandy Bay SC during 1962.

The NSW OK Dinghy Class Association was formed in 1961. Foundation members were Don Board, Norm Fennell, Tony Hill, Mike Kirkbride, C. Lewis, Phil Maloney, C. Mansfield, Ian Nicholson, A. Pfeiffer, D. Pitt, John Powell and Ray Stone.

1962 – First Nationals Sailed Melbourne

The OK Dinghy International Association (OKDIA) was established in 1962.

The Australian OK Dinghy Class Association was also formed in 1962. The Inaugural Meeting was held at Albert SC, Victoria on 29^th December 1962.

The first Australian Championship for OK Dinghies was held in Melbourne, Vic. 1962/63 hosted by Albert SC. Richard Blundell reports that the event was to be sailed on Albert Park Lake but when the Inter-state competitors arrived in Melbourne they took one look at Albert Park Lake and forced the organisers to move the series down to the Bay. John Powell, NSW, sailing KA 176 “Pandora IV”, won the event to become our first National Champion.

1963 – First Green Island Classic

In 1963 the first “Green Island Classic”, an open ocean race of seventeen miles to Green Island was organised by the Cairns SC. Local yachting enthusiasts were sceptical about the success of such an event, but the organisers persisted and the race proved highly successful. This was the forerunner to greater things for the OK class in North Queensland. Similar events were staged later in 1963 and again in 1964, with the addition of return races from Green Island to Ellis Beach. In 1965 the Ocean Classics event was to attract overseas competitors for the first time thus establishing the World’s first International Ocean race event for OKs.

The first OK Worlds were held at Maubuisson, France in 1963. Won by Svend Jakobsen from Denmark.

1964 – Nationals Vaucluse YC

Second Nationals were held in Sydney, NSW 1963/64 at Vaucluse YC. John Powell from NSW retained the title he won in Melbourne the previous year.

Second Worlds were held at Roskilde, Denmark in 1964. Won by Henning Schachtschnabel from Denmark. At 19 years of age, Jorgen Lindhardtsen from Denmark competed in his first OK World Championship. Jorgen has since established himself as the grand old man of World OK sailing. He won the World Championship in 1978, was runner-up on a number of occasions including at Belmont, Australia in 2006 and is a Danish Finn Olympian. Forty four years later at the age of 63 he finished 7th overall in the 2008 Germany Worlds.

In August 1964 an International set of rules was adopted for the OK dinghy by OKDIA.

1965 – Nationals Sandy Bay, Tasmania

Third Nationals were held in Hobart, Tasmania 1964/65 at Sandy Bay SC. Won by John Hardie, NSW with Alan Clark, NSW second and Bram Knoop, Tasmania third.

Third Worlds were held at Hayling Island, England in 1965. Won by Goran Andersson, Sweden from Bengt Jorgensen, Denmark, 2^nd and Roy Martyn, Great Britain, 3^rd. A fleet of over 100 boats representing Sweden, Denmark, Britain, Belgium, France, Australia, Canada, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand and Poland contested the event. Jim Walker from Vaucluse YC, NSW was the first Australian to compete in an OK World Championship and finished in the top half of the fleet in a very creditable 46^th place overall.

The Cairns International OK Dinghy Ocean Race was conducted over the weekend of 16th & 17th October 1965 at the Cairns SC. Won by World Champion, Goran Andersson from Sweden. Other international competitors included Rein Verweymeren, Dutch National Champion, Axel Olsen the American naturalized Dane remembered as the co-designer of the OK and Clive Roberts, New Zealand Champion. The Australian competitors included the National Champion, John Hardie and Richard Blundell from Tasmania. Peter Jones was a young local lad who grew up sailing every week-end at the Lake Tinaroo SC on the Atherton Tablelands west of Cairns. He recalls the International OK sailors visiting that club for a BBQ at the time of the 1965 event and signing their autographs on the rafters in the clubhouse. Over four decades later, Peter revisited his old club and reports that those autographs from 1965 still remain on the clubhouse rafters as a lasting memento of our early International OK visitors to North Queensland

Fourth Nationals were held in Cairns, Nth.Qld. 1965/66 at Cairns SC. Won by Dave Blundell, a New Zealander sailing in Sydney at that time, from Bill Adams, NSW, 2^nd and Dan Bolton, Nth.Qld, 3^rd. A fleet of 27 OKs contested this event including one of the first boats registered in Australia, KA3 “Ugly”, Hans Koenig from Nth.Qld. Noel Wheeler, Nth.Qld. finished 4^th, Tony Randle, Nth.Qld, 5^th, John Hardie, NSW, 6^th, Hans Steller, Sth. Qld, 7^th and Noel Beale, Nth. Qld. was 8^th.

First Interdominion Championship was held in Sydney, NSW at Vaucluse Yacht Club, Easter, 1966. Won by Alan Clark, Australia from John Orr, Australia, 2nd and Clive Roberts, New Zealand, 3rd. John McKenzie, New Zealand was 4th, Peter Backhouse, Australia, 5th and Ted Bland, New Zealand was 6th. The contest was sailed in mainly light conditions after the first day was blown out on Good Friday when a 40 knot westerly howled across Sydney Harbour. Frustrating sailing in the light breezes of Saturday produced two wins for John McKenzie, with Alan Clark placing 4th and 2nd on the day. On Easter Sunday the day commenced with a light easterly that swung into the Nor-east later on during the afternoon. Peter Backhouse won the morning heat and Alan Clark scored his only heat win for the event in the afternoon race. The fresh sea breeze arrived for Easter Monday and produced a 15-20 knot Nor-easter for the final day. Clive Roberts enjoyed the change in conditions and won heat 5 comfortably. Alan Clark broke his tiller and recorded a DNF for that race. After the worst heat discard Alan had just enough points in hand to narrowly win the title.

Fourth Worlds were held in Holland in 1966. Won by the defending Champion, Goran Andersson, Sweden, from Bjorn Arnesson, Sweden, 2^nd and Ib Andersen, Denmark, 3^rd. The series was conducted under the burgee of the Royal Yacht Club de Belgique on the Veerse Meer in Holland. A fleet of 88 boats representing Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Britain, Holland, France, Germany, USA and Canada contested the event.

In 1965 OKDIA altered its rules to enable the production of OK Dinghies in fibreglass. Within 12 months an English firm had produced over eighty boats in fibreglass. September 1966 saw the first Australian fibreglass OKs built by Pamcraft. By the end of the 1966/67 season twelve boats had been produced by Phil Maloney at Pamcraft.

After the success of the first Interdominion in Sydney, the NSW Association decided to run a series of selection races to choose the best 6 skippers to represent the state at the next event. The series was arranged to consist of two races on Botany Bay, three on Sydney Harbour and two in Canberra. 26 boats entered the series. Final results were 1^st John Hardie, 2^nd John Orr, 3^rd Bill Adams, 4^th Peter Backhouse, 5^th Alan Clark and 6^th Jim Ley. Later fund raising contributed $112 for each of the 6 members to go to New Zealand to contest the second Interdominion Championship at Takapuna.

1966 – Nationals Holdfast Bay Adelaide

Fifth Nationals were held in Adelaide, SA. 1966/67 at Holdfast Bay YC. Won by Noel Beale, Nth.Qld, from Dan Bolton, Nth.Qld, 2^nd and John Hardie, NSW, 3^rd. The series was conducted in perfect conditions with fresh sea breezes all week. John Parrington (ex 505 World Champion) and his hard working team of race officials and other willing helpers controlled an excellent Championship. John Orr, NSW finished 4^th, Bram Knoop, Tasmania 5^th, Don Richmond. NSW, 6^th, Tony Hill, NSW, 7^th and Don Board, NSW was 8^th.

1967 – Second Interdominion won by Clive Roberts. Some great statistic’s on the number of boats registered around the worlds, in 26 Countries.

Second Interdominion Championship was held in Auckland, New Zealand at the Takapuna Boating Club, Easter 1967. Won by Clive Roberts, New Zealand from John Orr, NSW, 2^nd and Alan Clark, NSW and Ross Morton, New Zealand tied for 3^rd. A large fleet of 54 boats contested the event and of those 11 were from Australia. Although Clive won the first of his many Interdominion titles, the Australian competitors enjoyed excellent results taking out seven of the first nine placing’s. John Hardie, NSW finished 5^th, Noel Beale, Qld. 6^th and Bill Adams, NSW and Peter Backhouse, NSW tied for 7^th position overall.

Fifth Worlds were held in Canada in 1967. Won by Bjorn Arnesson, Sweden from Eric Fromell, Sweden, 2^nd and Goran Andersson, Sweden, 3^rd. The series was conducted by the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club, Dorval, Quebec, Canada. A fleet of 69 boats representing Australia, Denmark, France, Holland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA and Canada contested the Championships which were the first OK Worlds held outside Europe. Australia’s Dan Bolton from Qld. runner-up in the previous Nationals sailed an excellent series in this top class company to finish 23^rd overall.

The 1967/68 edition of the OK Dinghy International Newsletter reported on the number of OKs then sailing throughout the World. The numbers stated were quite staggering but even allowing for some editorial licence, we can get a good idea of how successful the OK was at that time. Twenty-six countries were listed, with 1720 registered in Sweden, 1096 in Britain, 770 in Denmark, 390 in USA, 365 in France, 265 in Australia and 255 in New Zealand. Tasmania was listed as a separate country with 25 boats registered. Richard Blundell was a great promotional man for the OKs in Australia in the early years. He had obviously sold his home state as a separate country to OKDIA. Some countries with less OKs registered included Barbados, Luxembourg, Morocco, Rhodesia and Zambia.

A Pacific Championship was held in Cairns in 1967. This was another huge promotional event organised by Dan Bolton and his crew at the Cairns SC. International competitors included - Bjorn Arnesson, 1967 World and Swedish Champion - Eric Frommell, runner-up in the 1967 World and Swedish Championships - Clive Roberts, four times New Zealand Champion and Interdominion Champion - Pete Whitmore, the New Zealand South Island Champion two years running - Rolf Svommekjar, Denmark’s light weather expert and Optimist Dinghy Champion three years in a row - Emil Verharen, 1966 Dutch Champion - Robert Lee from Canada - Hirobumi Kawano from Japan and Alex Kimball and Cris Boome from USA. The Championship was won by Clive Roberts, New Zealand, from Chris Boome, USA, 2^nd and Emil Verharen, Holland, 3^rd. Eric Fromell, Sweden was 4^th and World Champion Bjorn Arnesson, Sweden finished 5^th.

Sixth Nationals were held in Brisbane, Qld. 1967/68 at Sandgate YC. Won by Noel Beale, Qld, from John Orr, NSW, 2^nd and Jim Ley, NSW, 3^rd. A fleet of 43 boats contested the event in what was described as the wildest, toughest conditions yet for a National OK Championship. During the series, 12 masts were broken in the Bramble Bay mud, 3 booms snapped and 5 boats were badly holed. Sounds more like Pearl Harbour! Norm Clarke, Qld, finished 4^th, Dan Bolton, Qld, 5^th, Jim Sue, Qld, 6^th, Tony Hill, NSW, 7^th and Rolf Svommekjar, representing Qld was 8^th.

1968 – Worlds held in Norway.

Third Interdominion Championship was held in Sydney, NSW at the Manly YC, over Easter 1968. Won by Tony Hill, NSW, from Ross Morton, New Zealand, 2^nd and Gavin Shennan, NSW, 3^rd. A fleet of 48 boats contested the event sailed in predominantly light conditions with choppy seas on a big swell. Mark Paterson, N.Z. finished 4^th, John McKenzie, N.Z. 5^th, Jim Ley, NSW, 6^th, Chris Piggott, NSW, 7^th and Alan Clark, NSW was 8^th overall.

Sixth Worlds were held in Norway in 1968. Won by Erik Fromell, Sweden from Lief Enarsson, Sweden, 2^nd and Per Westlund, Sweden, 3^rd. The series was conducted by the host club, Tonsbery Seilforening at Fjaerholmen, Norway with a fleet of 71 boats representing Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, New Zealand, Norway, Britain, Germany, France, Canada and Finland.

Seventh Nationals were held in Melbourne, Vic. 1968/69 at Frankston YC. Won by Norm Clarke from Qld. with a win in the Invitation Race and five wins from seven races in the Championship. With 58 entrants this was the largest National Championship fleet yet. From all accounts an excellent series dominated by ex-Finn skippers, Norm, with Tony James, NSW, 2^nd and Peter Burford, SA, 3^rd. (Norm and Peter were also ex Moth skippers whilst Tony’s early experience was in VJs.) John Stevens, Vic. finished 4^th, Ian Gleeson, Qld. 5^th, Gavin Shennon, NSW, 6^th, Tony Hill, NSW, 7^th and Don Board, NSW, was 8^th.

1969 – Clive Roberts wins his second Interdominion.

Fourth Interdominion Championship was held in Auckland, New Zealand at the Takapuna Boating Club, Easter 1969. Won by Clive Roberts from New Zealand. A large fleet of 47 boats contested this heavy weather series. Norm Clarke from Qld. was runner-up with John Douglas from New Zealand 3^rd. Gavin Shennan, NSW had one of his best ever series to finish 4^th, Ross Morton, N.Z. 5^th, Barry Jacobi, N.Z. 6^th, Jim Ley, NSW 7^th and Robin Dew, N.Z. was 8^th. Clive dominated the event with five heat wins, a second and a drop of a 4^th placing. However, Norm and John both sailed very well throughout the contest to give Clive great racing in all heats. The happiest man in town was veteran Kiwi Allan Mitchell. Whilst he did not appear in the first twenty in the final results he nevertheless had one moment of glory when he defeated all of the major contenders in heat 3. In winds gusting up to 30 knots the not so young 40 plus year old won the start and sailed a perfect race to lead from start to finish in a very competitive fleet.

Seventh Worlds were held in France in 1969. Won by Kent Carlsson, Sweden from Ib Andersen, Denmark, 2^nd and Erik Fromell, Sweden, 3^rd. The host club was Club Nautique de Bendor at Bendor, a small island situated between Marseilles and Toulon in the south of France. A fleet of 72 boats from Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, France, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, Finland, Zambia, USA, Switzerland and Italy contested the event. Australian Champion, Norm Clarke competed sailing a borrowed boat. He sank twice but still managed to win one race and finish 36^th overall. Norm was a man of few words but was quoted as saying that he could write a book about the boats the French loaned–he said they were “junk”. For a man who was four times Australian Champion it was a disappointing experience. His results of 31, 66, DNF, 14, 52, 1, 36 – 227 points tells the story.

Eighth Nationals were held in Sydney, NSW 1969/70 at the Georges River SC on Botany Bay. Won by defending Champion Norm Clarke, Qld. from Tony James, NSW, 2^nd and Ray Stone, NSW, 3^rd. Jeremy Firth, NSW was 5^th, Ian Gleeson, Qld, 6^th, John Hardie, NSW, 7^th and Tony Howard, NSW, 8^th.

1970 – Clive Roberts wins his third Interdominion.

Fifth Interdominion Championship was held in Brisbane, Qld. Easter 1970 at Sandgate YC on Bramble Bay. Clive Roberts, New Zealand, won his third Interdominion to continue his domination of OK Dinghy sailing in Australasia. Runner-up was Australian Champion, Norm Clarke, Qld., and Tony James, NSW, was 3^rd. Kiwis John McKenzie, 4^th, Brian Baker, 5^th, and Tom Speed, 6^th followed, with Tony Hill, NSW, 7^th and Jeremy Firth, NSW, 8^th.

Eighth Worlds were held in New Zealand in 1970. Won by defending Champion Kent Carlsson, Sweden from Thomas Jungblut, Germany, 2^nd and Jonty Farmer from New Zealand, 3^rd. Goran Dahlstrom, Sweden was 4^th, Clive Roberts, New Zealand, 5^th, Tony James, Australia, 6^th, Norm Clarke, Australia, 7^th and Karl Johansson, Sweden, 8^th. The host club was the Takapuna Boating Club, Auckland and the series attracted 60 entries from Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, USA, Zambia and New Zealand. The efficiently organised Australian team of 20 performed well in this high standard event. Other Australian results were, Tony Hill, 17^th, Jeremy Firth, 18^th, Tony Howard, 29^th, Alistair Millar, 32^nd, John Hardie, 33^rd, Bill Russell, 35^th, Gavin Shennan, 36^th, Graham Read, 37^th, Ray Stone, 38^th, Peter Alexander and Richard Blundell, tied 40^th, Alan Clark, 43^rd, Jim Ley, 44^th, Ian Gleeson, 47^th, Leigh Bradstreet, 48^th, Bruce Williams, 52^nd, Barry Dean, 53^rd and Tom Jordan, 57^th.

Ninth Nationals were held in Hobart, Tasmania 1970/71 at Sandy Bay SC. Won by Jeremy Firth, NSW, from Bram Knoop, Tasmania, 2^nd and Richard Blundell, Tasmania, 3^rd. Only a relatively small fleet of 30 boats contested the event sailed in what was described as the most appalling weather on record. Jeremy won the Championship by mastering the ever-changing conditions that included flat calms, south-easterly gales and north-westerly squalls with heavy rain. He sailed a very consistent series to record two heat wins and a dropped placing of 5^th. Dick Knoop, Tasmania 4^th, Tony Hill, NSW, 5^th, Peter Alexander, NSW, 6^th, Peter Angus, Tasmania 7^th followed by Doug Sharpin, Vic. completed the top eight for the series.

At the Ninth Annual General Meeting of the Australian Association held in Hobart on 30^th December 1970, the name of the association was formally changed to the Australian OK Association.

1971 – Ninth Worlds in Germany.

Sixth Interdominion Championship was held in Melbourne Vic. at Black Rock YC, Easter 1971. Won by Tony James, NSW, from Tony Hill, NSW, 2^nd and Ray Stone, Vic., 3^rd. Jeremy Firth was 4^th followed by Kiwis, Wayne Watkins, 5^th, Glen Berleme, 6^th and Peter Menzies, 7^th. Peter Alexander, NSW rounded out the top eight for the event

Ninth Worlds were held at Kiel, Germany in 1971. Won by Thomas Jungblut, Germany. The series was conducted by the host club, Kieler Yacht Club and was sailed off Kiel-Schilksee.

Tenth Nationals were held in Mackay, Nth.Qld. 1971/72 at Mackay YC. Won by Norm Clarke, Qld, from defending Champion Jeremy Firth, NSW, 2^nd and Terry Jordan, Qld, 3^rd. A small fleet of 29 boats contested the event that was embraced by all as a very social series. The racing was basically a Norm and Jeremy match-racing event with Norm’s 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, DNF – 6 points, proving just too good for Jeremy’s 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 – 9 points. Phil Maloney, NSW finished 4^th, Jim Ley, NSW, 5^th,Mal Beattie, Qld, 6^th, Herb Prendergast, Qld, 7^th and Geoff Dunn, Qld, 8^th. It was at this series that Patrick Whittington made his auspicious Australian Championship debut in “Jo Jo”, KA306 finishing 25^th overall and the legends of “Lizard Hollow” were born.

1972 – Clive wins again and Bill Tyler came 19^th in Interdominions

Seventh Interdominion Championship was held in New Plymouth, NZ. at the New Plymouth YC, Easter 1972. Won by Clive Roberts, New Zealand from John Douglas, New Zealand 2^nd and Wayne Watkins, New Zealand, 3^rd. This was definitely a “big boys” contest. Winds of 25-35 knots whipped confusing seas on top of 4 metre ocean swells to create sea conditions described as making Somers look like a “Sunday school picnic on a fish pond”. There were plenty of swims but fortunately little gear damage considering the conditions. Clive gave a magnificent exhibition of heavy weather sailing to win the seven races of the series for a perfect score. Sailing borrowed boats from the 1970 Worlds Brian Collins, Vic. placed 11^th, Bill Tyler, NSW, 19^th, Bill Bell, Vic, 22^nd, Graeme Walliker, NSW, 23^rd and Val Gersbach, NSW, 27^th. This event really was something special. The seas had to be seen to be believed. You would scream down the face of one wave only to then stop in the trough and look up to the crest of the next one to see other OKs floating almost an entire mast height above you. I had never sailed an OK in conditions like these before and still have not sailed in anything similar since. On shore the hospitality of the Kiwis was fantastic. A once in a lifetime event – truly a great experience!

Tenth Worlds were held at Marstrand, Sweden in 1972. Won by Kjell Axerot, Sweden from Graeme Woodroffe, New Zealand, 2^nd and Per Wennersten, Sweden, 3^rd. The series was conducted by the host club, Marstrands Segelsallskap with a fleet of 78 boats representing Sweden, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Norway, Australia, Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Finland, Poland, Belgium and Canada. Australia was represented by Norm Clarke, who finished 19^th, Jerry Firth, 30^th, Terry Jordan, 45^th,Ian Kingsford Smith, 46^th and Kevin Gumley 64^th. Norm was again able to win one race but could not display the necessary consistency required to be competitive in such a high standard event. Graeme Woodroffe was considered unlucky not to win this series as he had to contend with a pack of seven Swedes in the top ten places overall.

Eleventh Nationals were held in Adelaide, SA. 1972/73 hosted by Holdfast Bay YC. Won by Norm Clarke, Qld, from Peter Burford, SA, 2^nd and reigning World Champion, Kjell Axerot, Sweden, 3^rd. A fleet of 59 boats contested the event that saw Norm take out his 4^th National Championship in five years. Trevor Baker, SA, finished 4^th, John Smallwood, NSW, 5^th, Mike Wells, NSW, 6^th, Mike Shaw, Vic. 7^th and Tony Hill, NSW was 8^th.

1973 – Ray Stone invited to coach the Singapore team for the South Asian Games.

Eighth Interdominion Championship was held in Sydney, NSW, at Vaucluse YC, Easter, 1973. Won by Tony Hill, NSW, from Glen Berleme, New Zealand, 2^nd and Jim Ley, NSW 3^rd. A fleet of 37 boats contested the event but unfortunately only two entries were received from New Zealand. Nevertheless it was a good event and the kiwis enjoyed their trip to Sydney. Mike Wells, NSW, finished 4^th, Phil Maloney, NSW, 5^th, Bob McCrossin, NSW, 6^th, Bill Tyler, NSW, 7^th and Ian Cameron, NSW was 8^th.

In July, 1973, National Association President, Ray Stone was invited to Singapore by the Changi Sailing Club to assist with coaching the Singapore team for the South East Asian Peninsula Games. Col. Charles Willans, a retired British Army Officer was chosen to organise the yachting for the Games and to produce a good local team. The OK Dinghy was one of four classes chosen for the Games. Ten new OKs were ordered from Seamark-Nunn in England for the Games and for training. Five countries competed in the Games; Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Burma and the Khmer Republic.

Eleventh Worlds were held at Falmouth, England in 1973. Won by Clive Roberts, New Zealand from defending Champion, Kjell Axerot, Sweden, 2^nd and John Dawson-Edwards, Britain, 3^rd. The series was conducted by the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association and hosted by Royal Cornwall YC on the waters of Falmouth Bay. A fleet of 72 boats contested the series. Australia was represented by five competitors; Tony Hill who finished 20^th, Jim Ley, 27^th, Mike Shaw, 43^rd, Ian Cameron, 52^nd and Richard Blundell, 63^rd.

Twelfth Nationals were held in Adelaide, SA. 1973/74 hosted by Holdfast Bay YC. The series was a prelude for the World Championships to be held the following week. Won by John Smallwood, NSW, from Peter Burford, SA, 2^nd and Bob McCrossin, NSW, 3^rd. A fleet of 56 boats contested the event and it proved to be a good warm up for the Worlds. Bruce Ashton, Vic. finished 4^th, Gil Calaby, SA. 5^th and Ian Gleeson, Qld. 6^th.

1974 – First OK Worlds held in Australia, some interesting names.

Twelfth Worlds were held in Australia in 1974. This was the first OK Dinghy World Championships held in Australia and was a great success. Won by Torban Andrup, Denmark from Jorgen Lindhartsen, Denmark, 2^nd and former World Champion Kjell Axerot, Sweden, 3^rd. Torban, Jorgen and fellow Dane, 15^th placed Frank Lyhne, all used chartered Pamcraft hulls built for the Championship by Phil Maloney. New Zealand’s Graham Woodroofe was 4^th followed by the top placed Australian, Peter Burford, 5^th. Defending World Champion, Clive Roberts, New Zealand, finished 6^th followed by fellow Kiwis, Peter Lester, 7^th and Harold Bennett, 8^th. The series conducted by Holdfast Bay YC on the waters of St. Vincent Gulf, Adelaide, SA. was contested by a fleet of 67 boats.

Ninth Interdominion was held in Auckland, New Zealand, Easter, 1974. Won by Clive Roberts, New Zealand.

Thirteenth Nationals were held in Brisbane, Qld. 1974/75 at Sandgate YC. Won by Bill Bell, Vic. from Ian Brown, NSW, 2^nd, Ray Stone, Vic., 3^rd, Bob McCrossin, NSW, 4^th, Ian Gleeson, Qld., 5^th and Bill Tyler, NSW 6^th. Mark Fisher, Vic. sailing his first OK Nationals finished a very creditable 7^th overall and won the Junior Championship. A fleet of 43 boats contested the event sailed in good sea breezes and short, steep waves on the shallow waters of Bramble Bay.

1975 – Peter Lester wins Interdominions, Clive Roberts passes away, he will be missed. Ray Stone elected as Life Member.

Tenth Interdominion was held in Melbourne, Vic., Easter, 1975 at Frankston YC. Won by Peter Lester, New Zealand from fellow kiwis Clive Roberts, 2^nd and Rex Lamb, 3^rd

OK Dinghy sailors throughout the World mourned the loss of former World Champion, Clive Roberts who was tragically killed in a car accident in New Zealand shortly after returning home from the 1975 Easter Interdominion. Clive was not only a champion sailor he was also a champion man. He was responsible for much of the success of the OKs in the Southern Hemisphere in the early days. Sincere sympathy was extended to Bev Roberts and her family from all involved with OKs in Australia. Bill Bell represented members of the Australian Association at Clive’s funeral.

As a memorial to the late Clive Roberts the Australian OK Association established a Trust Fund to assist with the development of Australian Junior OK sailors. Donations from OK members throughout Australia contributed to the fund that was formerly named the Clive Roberts Trust.

The International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) granted International status to the OK Dinghy in 1975. OKDIA introduced new measurement rules as a result of the granting of International status. In Australia, the change in status of the class from a National class to an International class resulted in the Australian Yachting Federation (AYF) taking over the administration of the registration process for OKs.

Thirteenth Worlds were held at Helsinki, Finland in 1975. Won by Paul Kirkerterp, Denmark from Peter Lester, New Zealand, 2^nd, and Per Hylander, Sweden, 3^rd. Rex Lamb, New Zealand finished 8^th, defending Champion, Torban Andrup, Denmark, 21^st, Gary Lock, New Zealand, 29^th, Bill Bell, Australia, 46^th, John Welson, New Zealand, 58^th and Peter O’Neill, Australia, 75^th.

Fourteenth Nationals were held in Melbourne, Vic. 1975/76 at Black Rock YC. Defending Champion, Bill Bell, Vic. won his second title with Jeremy Firth, NSW, 2^nd, and Ray Stone, Vic. 3^rd. John Stevens, Vic. was 4^th, Bob McCrossin, NSW, 5^th, Selwyn Parker, NSW, 6^th, Mike Shaw, Vic. 7^th with Mark Fisher, Vic. finishing 8^th overall and retaining the Junior Championship. The 43 entrants had an unforgettable opening day’s racing, eventually wiped out as malevolent (some might say satanic) black clouds ringed Port Philip Bay at one time or another. In the morning race the fleet ploughed through a rain squall that obliterated the boats and also the rounding marks. In the afternoon a nasty looking southerly made nonsense of the course forcing another abandonment.

At the Fourteenth Annual General Meeting of the Australian Association held in Melbourne on 30^th December 1975, Ray Stone was formally elected as the first honorary life member of the International OK Association of Australia.

1976 – Icebreaker is released.

Eleventh Interdominions were held in Auckland, New Zealand at the Murrays Bay Boating Club, Easter, 1976. Won by Rex Lamb from New Zealand. This series saw the debut of the New Zealand “Icebreaker” hull developed by Gary Lock and John Welson. Gary, John and Bill Tyler sailing the magnificent KA568 did little to enhance the reputation of the new design at this contest. These first three boats were not too flash! KA568 needed extensive surgery by Geoff Comfort before it was ready to sail in Australia but even then it sometimes behaved more like a submarine than an OK Dinghy. Over the years since then the “Icebreaker” has proven to be very successful with Richard Dodson winning two World Championships in a boat from this design. Thanks to the efforts of Gary and John at a time when not much else was happening with new ideas for the OK, the much improved “Icebreaker” mould is still being used to build new boats in New Zealand to this day.

Fourteenth Worlds were held in Denmark in 1976. Won by the defending Champion, Paul Kirkerterp from Denmark. The series was conducted by the Morso Sejlklub, Nykobing on the island of Mors, North Jutland.

Fifteenth Nationals were held in Sydney, NSW, 1976/77 hosted by the Botany Bay YC and sailed on the waters of Botany Bay. Defending Champion, Bill Bell, Vic, made it three in a row to retain his title again.

1977 – OK Worlds help in New Zealand, won by Peter Lester, Bill Bell comes 14^th. Bruce Ashton wins his first Nationals.

Fifteenth Worlds were held in New Zealand in 1977. The series was hosted by the Takapuna Boating Club in honour of the late Clive Roberts, World Champion in 1973, five times Interdominion Champion and ten times New Zealand Champion. Clive died in a car accident in 1975 when he was President of OKDIA. A memorial service attended by all competitors, officials and OK followers was held on Takapuna Beach during the Championships. Won by Peter Lester, New Zealand from Barry Thom, New Zealand 2^nd, Michael Nissen, Germany, 3^rd, Graham Woodroffe, New Zealand, 4^th, Alex Hagen, Germany, 5^th, Dette Stigborn, Sweden, 6^th, Per Frode, Sweden, 7^th and Per Spangs, Sweden, 8^th. Best Australian was three times National Champion, Bill Bell who won one heat and finished 14^th overall.

Twelfth Interdominions were held in Sydney, Australia in 1977. Won by Rex Lamb, New Zealand.

Sixteenth Nationals were held in Hobart, Tasmania 1977/78, hosted by Sandy Bay SC. Won by Bruce Ashton, Vic.

1978 – Jorgan Lindhardtsen wins OK Worlds, Leith Armit comes second.

Thirteenth Interdominions were held in Wellington, New Zealand in 1978. Won by Tom Dodson, New Zealand.

Sixteenth Worlds were held in Holland in 1978 at Medemblik on the Ijlselmaer, located about 30 kilometres north of Amsterdam. A fleet of 78 boats contested the series with three Australians, Bruce Ashton, Peter Gale and Peter Takle, travelling to Holland to compete in the event. The Kiwis were also present with both Tom and Richard Dodson and promising junior, Leith Armit all expected to perform well. Won by the great Dane, Jorgan Lindhardtsen at his fifteenth attempt to win the Worlds after being very unlucky not to win on three other occasions. Runner-up was Leith Armit providing a forerunner of things to come. Tom Dodson was 5^th, with brother Richard not too far behind. Bruce Ashton finished 18^th, Peter Takle, 36^th and Peter Gale with not one of his best efforts in 49^th place.

Seventeenth Nationals were held in Adelaide, SA. 1978/79. Won by defending champion, Bruce Ashton, Vic.

1979 – Peter Gale wins National’s in Queensland.

Fourteenth Interdominions were held in Melbourne, Australia in 1979. Won by Bruce Ashton, Australia.

Seventeenth Worlds were held at Tonsberg, Norway, 1979. Won by Richard Dodson, New Zealand.

Eighteenth Nationals were held in Brisbane, Qld. 1979/80, hosted by the Sandgate YC. Won by Peter Gale, Vic, followed by Peter Takle, Vic. 2^nd, Terry Bellair, Vic. 3^rd, Mark Fisher, Vic. 4^th and Greg Stephenson, Vic. was 5^th.

1980 – Peter Takle wins National’s at Bateman’s Bay.

Fifteenth Interdominions were held at Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand in 1980. Won by Gary Lock, New Zealand.

Eighteenth Worlds were held at Varberg, Sweden, 1980. Won by Paul Kirketerp, Denmark to become the first ever three times OK World Champion.

Nineteenth Nationals were held at Batemans Bay, NSW, 1980/81. The event was the biggest and best Nationals held so far with a fleet of 79 boats representing all states where OKs were sailed at that time. Won by Peter Takle, Vic. with a perfect score of 0 with six wins from the first six races and a close second to Peter Gale in the final heat. Defending Champion, Peter Gale, Vic. was 2^nd, followed by Bruce Ashton, Vic. 3^rd, Mark Fisher, Vic. 4^th, Bill Bell, Vic. 5^th and Chris Harmsen, Tasmania was 6^th.

1981 – OK WORLDS FRANCE – PETER GALE

Sixteenth Interdominions were held in Melbourne, Vic. Easter, 1981 at the Mordialloc SC. A fleet of 54 boats entered the event including 3 Kiwis, David Bullock, Richard McLaren and Len Davies. Trevor Moy made the trip down from Qld. and five competitors came from SA with five more from NSW. The rest of the fleet consisted of the strong team of Victorians led by National Champion, Peter Takle. The series was generally light after a big blow for the Invitation Race that was abandoned and fresh winds for heats 1 and 2. Won by Peter Gale, Vic. from Peter Takle, Vic. 2^nd with Tim Dorning Vic. 3^rd. Keith Patterson, Vic, was 4^th followed by Mark Fisher, Vic. 5^th, Greg Stephenson, Vic. 6^th, Chris Pratt, SA.7^th and Bruce Ashton, Vic. 8^th. David Bullock was best Kiwi finishing 12^th overall.

Nineteenth Worlds were held in France, 1981 at Hyeres with a maximum 80 boat fleet. Peter Gale, Vic. won Australia’s first OK World Championship. Runner-up was Stefan Jarudd, Sweden, followed by Earl Berry, New Zealand, 3^rd, Peter Takle, Australia, 4^th,Ingvar Bengtsson, Sweden, 5^th and Hakan Jonson, Sweden was 6^th. Tomas Nilson, Sweden, 7^th, Mats Bath, Sweden, 8^th, Greg Wilcox, New Zealand, 9^th and Yves Labbe, France rounded out the top ten. Other Australians who competed were Peter Jackson, Mark Fisher, Peter Lentz and Andy Tammesilde.

1982 – OK Worlds BRYC

Twentieth Nationals were held in Melbourne, Vic. at Black Rock YC, 1981/82 as a warm-up series for the Worlds to follow. Won by defending champion, Peter Takle, Vic. from Chris Pratt, SA 2^nd with Tony Manning, Vic. 3^rd. Keith Patterson, Vic. was 4^th, Larry Kleist, NSW, 5^th, Trevor Butcher, SA, 6^th, Glen Collings, Vic, 7^th, Bruce Ashton, Vic, 8^th, Brent Williams, SA, 9^th and Greg Stephenson, Vic, was 10^th.

Twentieth Worlds were held in Australia, in 1982 hosted by the Black Rock YC, Melbourne, Vic. The series attracted 54 overseas entries with a further 26 competitors from Australia making up the maximum fleet of 80 boats. Won by Richard Dodson, New Zealand, followed by Stefan Jarudd, Sweden, runner-up for the second year in a row, with Australian Champion, Peter Takle, 3^rd. Ingvar Bengtsson, Sweden, was 4^th followed by Tony Manning, Australia, 5^th and Larry Kleist, Australia 6^th. Kiwis, Leith Armit, 7^th, Earl Berry, 8^th and Greg Knowles, 9^th followed by Mats Bath, Sweden rounding out the top ten.

Seventeenth Interdominions were contested in conjunction with the 1982 Worlds in Melbourne and the trophy was awarded to New Zealand’s World Champion, Richard Dodson.

1983 – Glenn Collings wins National in Hobart

Twenty-first Nationals were held in Hobart, Tasmania at Sandy Bay SC, 1982/83. Won by Glenn Collings, Vic. from two times Australian Champion, Peter Takle with Trevor Butcher, SA 3^rd. Anthony Reynolds, Vic. was 4^th, Andre Blasse, Vic. 5^th and Keith Patterson Tasmania 6th. The series was sailed in typical Hobart Championship weather. It snowed on Mt. Wellington on Christmas Day. A cold gusty weather pattern prevailed for the early part of the series and with three days to go only two of the scheduled five races had been sailed. The OOD, Bram Knoop, did extremely well to get seven well conducted races sailed under very trying circumstances. In five of the seven heats, Glenn and Peter took first and second places usually by significant margins from the rest of the fleet. With one heat to sail only 0.25 of a point separated the two, so if one of them won the final heat he would win the series. Again this pair cleared out from the start and fought a classic match race until disaster struck for Peter with a swim as he chased after Glenn on the square run. Glenn went on to win the heat and the first of his National Championships.

Eighteenth Interdominions were held in Auckland, New Zealand, Easter, 1983 at the Takapuna Boating Club. Five Australians made the trip across the Tasman. Juniors, Mitchell Galland and Mark Jackson from Victoria and Stuart Shimeld from NSW joined David Bullock, now wearing his Australian hat and John MacKenzie to take on the Kiwis. A fleet of 20 boats contested the event in mainly light to moderate conditions. Won by Greg Wilcox, NZ from Joe Porebski NZ, 2^nd, Greg Wright, NZ, 3^rd,David Gunn, NZ, 4^th, Mark Crossin, NZ, 5^th, Tui Scott, NZ, 6^th, Michael Bamford, NZ 7^th and David Bullock, NSW, was the first Australian to finish in 8^th place. Other Australians were Mark Jackson, 9^th, Mitchell Galland, 12^th, John Mackenzie, 14^th and Stuart Shimeld, 18^th.

As a lead in to the Worlds in England in 1983, a team of five Australians, Glenn Collings, Mark Fisher, Anthony Reynolds, Andre Blasse and Peter Jackson embarked on a serious European campaign that was to make the OK world sit up and take notice. It started in Germany at Kiel Week with Glenn winning from Alistair McMichael, England, 2^nd and Reemt Reemtsma, Germany, 3^rd. Mark finished 6^th, Anthony, 10^th Andre, 35^th and Chocko 47^th.

The team then moved on to the German Nationals at Lake Ratzeburg where Glenn was again successful in winning from Greg Wilcox, New Zealand and Rainer Rebbehn from Germany 3rd. The other Australian places are not known for this event.

Again the team moved on, this time to Arhus in Denmark for the Danish Nationals. This event was won by Stig Westergaard from Denmark, with Per Koergaard, Denmark, 2^nd and Glenn, 3^rd. Andre was 8^th and Anthony 12^th with Mark and Peter having a bit of a rest and counting a couple of DNS for the event.

The team’s next move was to Torbay in England for the British Nationals. Glenn again won from Alistair McMichael with Stig Westergaard, 3^rd in a fleet of 98 boats. Glenn won two of the six races contested in light conditions and was very consistent overall. Mark won two of the races sailed in heavy conditions but didn’t feature in the top 10 so he must have been a little off the pace in the light stuff. No final results known for the other Australians at this event but Anthony rated a mention with a 3^rd in the 5^th heat. Overall a very successful tour of events for the young Australian team with Glenn’s three European victories following on from his Australian Championship.

1983 – Wolds Torbay England

Twenty-first Worlds were held at Torquay, England in 1983, hosted by the Royal Torbay YC. A maximum fleet of 80 boats contested the event. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand from Stig Westergaard, Denmark, 2^nd and Trevor Gore, Great Britain, 3^rd. Greg Wilcox, New Zealand was 4^th, Alistair McMichael, Great Britain, 5^th and Erwin Bergholt, Denmark, equal 6^th on a count-back from Anthony Reynolds, Australia who won the Junior title with his very creditable equal 6^th overall. Glenn Collings was 8^th after his luck ran out in the early races of the series but he finished on a high note with a 2^nd and a 1^st in the last two heats. Mark Fisher was 9^th, Andre Blasse, 49^th and Peter Jackson finished 54^th after upsetting the jury with his downwind technique! Team Meister, Patrick Whittington won 1^st prize in the raffle – a Tiga Sailboard.

1983/84 – Nationals Adelaide

Twenty-second Nationals were held in Adelaide 1983/84 at the Holdfast Bay YC. Won by defending Champion, Glenn Collings, Vic, with a perfect score, six wins in six races contested to continue on from his European successes. Andre Blasse, Vic, was 2^nd, Brent Williams, SA, 3^rd, Alistair McClure, Vic, 4^th, Mark Jackson, Vic, 5^th, Peter Jackson, Vic, 6^th, Anthony Reynolds, Vic, 7^th and Mark Fisher, Vic, 8^th

1984 – OK WORLDS DENMARK – GLENN COLLINGS

Nineteenth Interdominions were held in Sydney, NSW, Easter, 1984 at

Vaucluse YC. Unfortunately no Kiwis made it across the Tasman this time, but with a good effort from the Victorians and Brent Williams from SA joining the NSW fleet, 29 boats contested the event. With a mixture of a little breeze and the usual Sydney Harbour lottery, the best man finally managed to win the series. Glenn Collings was 1^st followed by Mark Fisher, 2^nd and Anthony Reynolds, 3^rd, all from Victoria. Brent Williams from SA was 4^th, Howard Taylor, NSW, 5^th, Bruce Gunn, NSW, 6^th, Justin Arthur, Vic, 7^th and Andre Blasse, Vic. was 8^th.

Twenty-second Worlds were held at Sonderborg, Denmark, in 1984. Won by Glenn Collings, Australia, to record this country’s second OK World Championship.

Twenty-third Nationals were held at Toronto, NSW, 1984/85, hosted by the Royal Motor Yacht Club. Won by defending Champion, Glenn Collings, Vic.

1985 – Great year of learning, three of the team that went to Europe this year, have since won the Worlds

During the European summer of 1985, a team of four young Victorian lads, Roger Blasse, Mark Jackson, Peter Milne and Neil Williamson set out to conquer the OK world. They were to be joined later by Mark Fisher to sail in lead up events to the 1985 Worlds. First stop was Germany, to compete at Kiel Week. Karsten Hitz, Germany, won the event with Matts Caap, Sweden, runner-up. Mark Fisher finished 3^rd, Mark Jackson was 9^th, Roger Blasse, 10^th, Neil Williamson, 16^th and Peter Milne, 20^th in the 80 boat fleet. Not a bad start for our intrepid young adventurers!

On to Medemblik in Holland for the Dutch Nationals, where the Australians were joined by a couple of Kiwis, Leith Armit and Nigel Soper. Mark Fisher won the event that had a little bit of all conditions, from Leif, 2^nd with Nigel, 3^rd. Neil was 23^rd and Roger, 27^th whilst Mark Jackson and Peter Milne were AWOL attending to other matters!

The Worlds then followed at the same venue, but more of that later. After the Worlds some of the team moved on to Ishoj in Denmark for the open Nordic Championship. Here, the fleet of about 35 competitors, enjoyed an excellent series. Stig Westergaard, from Denmark, won the event from Tomas Allansson, Sweden, 2^nd and Peter Brogger, Denmark, 3^rd. Kiwi, Nigel Soper was 5^th, Mark Jackson was the best of the Australians with Roger and Peter out the back door.

This ended the trip for most of the team, but after a very slow start to his campaign young Peter was starting to get into the swing of things. He joined a couple of Danes for a quick trip to Poole ,England for the British Nationals and then back to Hornbaek in Denmark for the Danish Nationals. He was obviously enjoying himself and must have thought that he needed the practise. Trevor Gore, England, won the British Nationals from the Danes Bjorn Westergaard, 2^nd and Nils Troland, 3rd. The other “Dane”, Peter, finished 8^th overall to assist the “Danish” team to win the Teams Trophy.

Back to Denmark for the Danish Nationals where Reemt Reemtsma, Germany was successful with Jorgan Lindhartsen, Denmark, 2^nd and Peter Brogger, Denmark, 3^rd. Peter, starting to tire after all the border crossings, finished 14^th to end his eventful tour of Europe. This proved to be a very beneficial campaign for the Aussies with all team members gaining much experience from their competition in Europe. Three members of the team have subsequently won an OK World Championship and who’s to say that there may not be more to follow!

Twenty-third Worlds were held in Holland, 1985 with a maximum fleet of 80 boats contesting the event. The series was again held at Medemblik, the venue for the 1978 Worlds. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand to record his second World Championship victory. Runner-up was Reemt Reemtsma, Germany, with Mark Fisher, Australia, 3^rd. Roger Blasse, Australia won the Junior Championship and finished 12^thoverall. Other Australians were Neil Williamson, 21^st, and Mark Jackson, 24^th, who both sailed very well to finish at the top end of the fleet. Peter Milne, unfortunately struck down by a mystery ailment, was very ill and unable to compete at the Worlds.

Twentieth Interdominions were held in Melbourne, Vic, Easter, 1985 at Black Rock YC. A fleet of 29 boats contested the event with one sole Kiwi entry. Mark Fisher won the series with four wins out of six heats. He was followed by local laser sailors Stuart Wallace, 2^nd, and Alister McClure, 3^rd.

1986 – OK WORLDS NEW ZEALAND – MARK FISHER

Twenty-fourth Nationals were held at the Royal Brighton YC, Melbourne, Vic. in 1985/86. Won by Mark Fisher, Vic.

Twenty-first Interdominions were held at Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand in 1986. Won by Peter Meo, New Zealand.

Twenty-fourth Worlds were held at Auckland, New Zealand in 1986 with a fleet of 52 boats contesting the event. Won by Mark Fisher, Australia to become our third OK World Champion, from Peter Meo, New Zealand, 2^nd and defending Champion, Leith Armit, New Zealand, 3^rd.

1987 – Mark Fisher wins in Hobart. Bill Tyler elected as Life Member.

Twenty-fifth Nationals were held in Hobart, Tasmania in 1986/87. Won by World Champion, Mark Fisher, Vic.

Twenty-second Interdominions were held in Adelaide, Australia in 1987. Won by Roger Blasse, Australia.

Twenty-fifth Worlds were held at Lulea, Sweden in 1987. Won by Mats Caap, Sweden.

At the Twenty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Australian Association held in Mooloolaba on 30^th December, 1987, Bill Tyler was formally elected as the second honorary life member of the International OK Association of Australia.

1988 – Roger Blasse wins his first Nationals in Queensland.

Twenty-sixth Nationals were held in Mooloolaba, Qld. in 1987/88. Won by Roger Blasse, Vic.

Twenty-third Interdominions were held in Wellington, New Zealand in 1988. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand.

Twenty-sixth Worlds were held at Travemuende, Germany in 1988. Won by Bo Staffan Andersson, Sweden.

1989 – Nationals won by Mark Fisher.

Twenty-seventh Nationals were held in Adelaide, SA in 1988/89. Won by Mark Fisher, Vic.

Twenty-fourth Interdominions were held at Jervis Bay, Australia in 1989. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand.

Twenty-seventh Worlds were held at Weymouth, England in 1989. Won by Per Hagglund, Sweden.

1990 – OK Worlds - BRYC

Twenty-fifth Interdominions were held in conjunction with the Twenty-eighth Nationals in Melbourne, Australia in 1989/90 as a prelude for the World Championships. Won by defending National Champion, Mark Fisher, Vic.

Twenty-eighth Worlds were held in Melbourne, Australia in 1990. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand to become only the second three times OK World Champion.

At the twenty-ninth Annual General Meeting of the Australian Association held in

Sydney, Terry Bellair was formally elected as the third honorary life member of the International OK Association of Australia.

1991 – Glenn Bourke wins Nationals at Drummoyne. Terry Bellair elected as Life Member.

Twenty-ninth Nationals were held in Sydney, NSW at Drummoyne SC over the Christmas – New Year holiday period, 1990/91. Won by three times World Laser Champion, Glenn Bourke, NSW sailing in his first OK Championship event. Runner-up was defending Champion, Mark Fisher, Vic. from Peter Jackson, NSW, 3^rd. Peter Horne, NSW was 4^th, Carl Schmidt, Vic. 5^th, Mark Jackson, Vic. 6^th, Owen Kimberley, NSW, 7^th and Bob Chapman, NSW, finished 8^th. Carl Schmidt, Vic. won the Junior Championship.

Twenty-sixth Interdominions were held in Auckland, New Zealand in 1991. Won by Greg Wilcox, New Zealand.

Twenty-ninth Worlds were held at Vallensbaek, Denmark in 1991. Won by the 1988 Champion Bo Staffan Andersson from Sweden from Ulf Brandt, Denmark, 2^nd and Hedley Fletcher, United Kingdom, 3^rd. Anders Andersen, Denmark was 4^th, Carl Schmidt, Australia, 5^th and Junior World Champion and Martin V. Zimmermann, Germany was 6^th. Other Australians were Andre Blasse, 19^th, Paul Richards, 29^th, Graham Adams, 37^th and Bill Tyler, 69^th.

1992 – Mark Fisher wins his 5^th National Championship.

Thirtieth Nationals were held in Adelaide, SA in 1991/92. Won by Mark Fisher, Vic. to record his fifth National Championship victory and to become the first OK helmsman to win this event five times.

Twenty-seventh Interdominions were held at Jervis Bay, Australia in 1992. Won by Peter Horne Jnr. Australia.

Thirtieth Worlds were held at Vitrolles, France in 1992. Won by defending Champion, Bo Staffan Andersson, Sweden to become the third three times OK World Champion.

1993 – Andre Blasse wins his first Nationals & Interdominions in Melbourne.

Twenty-eighth Interdominions were held in conjunction with the Thirty-first Nationals in Melbourne, Vic. in 1992/93. Won by Andre Blasse, Vic.

Thirty-first Worlds were held at Puck, Poland in 1993. Defending Champion, Bo Staffan Andersson, Sweden became the first helmsman to win three OK World Championships in a row with another great win in this event. He also became the first four times OK World Champion.

1994 – Leith Armit wins for the fourth time, Mateusz Kusznierewicz (Finn Gold Medallist - 1996) comes second in Worlds in New Zealand and Alistair McMichael wins Nationals at Drummoyne,

Thirty-second Nationals were held in Sydney at Drummoyne SC in 1993/94. Won by Alistair McMichael, SA.

Twenty-ninth Interdominions were held in Napier, New Zealand in 1994 in conjunction with the New Zealand Nationals as a prelude to the World Championships. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand.

Thirty-second Worlds were held at Napier, New Zealand in 1994. Won by Leith Armit, New Zealand to record his fourth World Championship victory, remarkably eleven years after his first win in England in 1983. Runner-up was Mateusz Kusznierewicz (Finn Gold Medallist - 1996) from Poland with Roger Blasse, Australia finishing third in this contest.

1995 - Alistair does it again.

Thirty-third Nationals were held at Glenelg SC, Adelaide over the Easter long weekend, 1995. This event also doubled up as the Thirtieth Interdominion Championship with three kiwis joining us for the contest that attracted 23 starters. Won by defending Australian Champion, Alistair McMichael, SA from Roger Blasse, Vic. 2^nd and Mark Fisher, Vic. 3^rd. Bob Buchanan, NSW was 4^th on a countback, followed by Dave Ketteridge, SA, 5^thand Matt Johnson, Vic. 6^th. Andre Blasse, Vic. was 7^th and Justin Graham, Vic. 8^th. Marcus Wettenhall, Vic. finished 12^th overall and won the Junior Championship.

Thirty-third Worlds were held at Felixstowe, England in 1995. A fleet of 80 boats contested the event hosted by Felixstow Ferry SC with Mark Fisher and Alistair McMichael representing Australia at the contest. Won by Bjorn Forslund, Sweden from Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark, 2^nd with Ulf Brandt, Denmark, third. Martin Von Zimmermann, Germany was 4^th, David Rose, Great Britain, 5^th, Bogaslaw Moczorodynski, Poland, 6^th, Karsten Hitz, Germany, 7^th, and Bjorn Hultgren, Sweden finished 8^th. Mark Fisher sailed well to finish 10^th and “new” Aussie, Alistair McMichael back on his home waters found the conditions to his liking for a well deserved 14^th position overall. Rafal Szukiel from Poland finished 23^rd overall and won the Junior Championship.

1996 – Roger wins Nationals in Melbourne

Thirty-fourth Nationals were held at Black Rock, Vic. early in January, 1996. A fleet of 27 boats contested the event sailed in typical cold, wet and windy Port Phillip conditions. Won by Roger Blasse, Vic. from Carl Schmidt, Vic. 2^nd and Andre Blasse, Vic. 3^rd.

Thirty-first Interdominions were held in Auckland, New Zealand at Takapuna early in February, 1996 in conjunction with the NZ Nationals. A fleet of 30 boats contested the event with four Australians including National Champion, Roger Blasse making the trip across the Tasman to compete. Won by Greg Wilcox in this Kiwi dominated contest from Peter Waymouth, 2^nd and Duncan Gourley, 3^rd. Joe Porebski was 4^th followed by the Mannering brothers, Nigel, 5^th and Adrian, 6^th with Roger Blasse best of the Australians in 8^th place.

Thirty-fourth Worlds were held at Varberg, Sweden in 1996 with 81 boats competing in the event. Australia was represented by the brothers Blasse with Roger finishing 12^th overall and Andre 59^th not all that comfortable in the trying conditions that prevailed for the contest. Won by Christian Carlsson, Sweden from Hedley Fletcher, Great Britain, 2^nd with Martin Von Zimmermann, Germany, third. Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark was 4^th followed by Kiwis, Duncan Gourley, 5^th and Nigel Mannering, 6^th. Mats Caap, Sweden, was 7^th and Nigel’s brother, Adrian Mannering, New Zealand, finished 8^th.

1997 – Nationals held in Adelaide.

Thirty-fifth Nationals were held in January, 1997 at Glenelg SC, Adelaide, SA. The event was conducted in conjunction with the Thirty-second Inter-dominion Championship as a lead-up series for the 1998 Worlds. A fleet of 41 competitors contested the event including four visitors from New Zealand. Won by Andre Blasse, Vic. from his brother Roger, Vic. 2^nd and Peter Milne, Vic. 3^rd. Mark Fisher, Vic. was 4^th followed by Carl Schmidt, Vic. 5^th and Russell Wood, New Zealand, 6^th.

Thirty-fifth Worlds were held in Denmark at Sonderborg in 1997. A fleet of 79 boats contested the series but no Australians competed in this event. Won by the 1995 World Champion, Bjorn Forslund, Sweden from runner-up Karsten Hitz, Germany with Hedley Fletcher, Great Britain, third. Anders Andersen, Denmark, was 4^th, Jonas Persson, Sweden, 5^th, Jan-Eric Nystedt, Sweden, 6^th, Martin Von Zimmermann, Germany, 7^th and Antoni Pawlowski, Poland was 8^th.

1998 – OK WORLDS AUSTRALIA – ROGER BLASSE

Thirty-sixth Nationals were again held at Glenelg SC, Adelaide, SA over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, 1997/98 immediately prior to the World Championship. The event conducted as an open Championship and incorporating the Thirty-third Inter-dominions attracted 83 entrants. Won by defending National Champion, Andre Blasse, Vic. again narrowly defeating his brother Roger, Vic. 2^nd with Karsten Hitz, Germany, 3^rd. Greg Wilcox, New Zealand was 4^th, Peter Milne, Vic. 5^th, Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark, 6^th, Joe Porebski, New Zealand, 7^th with Nigel Mannering, New Zealand, 8^th. Hans Elkjear, Sweden, 9^th and Peter Horne, NSW, 10^th rounded out the top ten for the event.

Thirty-sixth Worlds were held at Adelaide, Australia, in 1998 hosted by Glenelg SC. A maximum 80 boat fleet contested the event which was won by Roger Blasse, Australia to become our fourth OK World Champion. Fellow Australian, Carl Schmidt finished 2^nd with Karsten Hitz, Germany, 3^rd. Andre Blasse, Australia was 4^th, followed by John Gibson, Australia, 5^th, Anders Andersen, Denmark, 6^th, Hedley Fletcher, Great Britain, 7^th with Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark 8^th, again winning the Veteran Championship. Daniel Bush, New Zealand, was 9^th and won the Junior Championship whilst Jonas Persson, Sweden finished 10^th overall

1999 – Nationals at Wangi Wangi, Roger does it again.

Thirty-seventh Nationals were held at Wangi on Lake Macquarie, NSW over the Christmas – New Year holiday period, 1998/99. A fleet of 29 boats from SA, Vic. and NSW contested a very competitive event won by the reigning World Champion, Roger Blasse, Vic. Runner-up was Peter Milne, Vic. with John Gibson, Vic. 3^rd. Mark Jackson, Vic. was 4^th, defending Champion, Andre Blasse, Vic. 5^th with Peter Horne, NSW, 6^th ensuring there was not a complete Victorian domination of the series. Rob Davis, Vic. was 7^th, Tim Davies, NSW, 8^th, Bob Chapman, NSW, 9^th and Peter Burton, NSW, 10^th. Junior Champion was David Clancy, Vic.

Thirty-fourth Interdominions were held at Napier, New Zealand in conjunction with the New Zealand Nationals in January, 1999. Again no Australians contested the event due to the timing involved. Won by Alistair Deaves from UK who has been living and sailing in NZ for the past year or so.

1999 – OK WORLDS GERMANY – PETER MILNE

Thirty-seventh Worlds were held at Neustadt, Germany in 1999. A fleet of 82 boats contested the event with nine competitors representing Australia at the contest. Won by Peter Milne, Australia to become our fifth OK World Champion. Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark was runner-up and Nick Craig, Great Britain, 3^rd. Jan-Eric Nysted, Sweden was 4^th, Adrian Mannering, New Zealand, 5^th, Thomas Hansson-Mild, Sweden, 6^th, Christian Midtgaard, Denmark, 7^th and Michael Bachmann, Switzerland finished 8^th overall. Other Australian places were Mark Jackson, 21^st, Rob Davis, 23^rd, David Clancy, 39^th, Paul Richards, 50^th, Peter Yates, 52^nd, Kevin Knott, 66^th, Sean Wilson, 74^th and Kyle Knott, 76^th.

2000 – Nationals at Metung, Bill Bell elected as Life Member.

Thirty-eighth Nationals were held at Metung, Victoria early in January, 2000. Won by defending Champion Roger Blasse, Vic. from older brother Andre, Vic. 2^nd and John Gibson, Vic. 3^rd. World Champion, Peter Milne, Vic. was 4^thand claimed the Veterans title, Mark Jackson, Vic. 5^th, Rob Davis, Vic. 6^th, Mark Fisher, Vic. 7^th and David Clancy, Vic. was 8^th. Tim Davies, NSW, 9^th saved a complete Victorian wipe-out and Peter Jackson, Vic. finished 10^th. James McAllister, NSW was 11^th overall and won the Junior Championship and Bill Tyler, NSW finished 17^th to win the Masters title.

At the Thirty Eighth Annual General Meeting of the Australian Association held in Metung on 10^th January, 2000, Bill Bell was formally elected as the fourth honorary life member of the International OK Association of Australia.

2000 – Interdominions

Thirty-fifth Interdominion Championships were held over the Easter weekend, 2000 at Black Rock YC in Melbourne, Victoria.

A fleet of 30 boats contested the event including 12 from New Zealand. Won by Roger Blasse, Australia from Russell Wood, New Zealand, 2^nd and Mark Jackson, Australia, 3^rd. Kiwis Joe Porebski, 4^th, Ben Morrison, 5^th, and Paul Rhodes, 6^th were followed by Australians, John Gibson, 7^th and Matt Johnson, 8^th. Greg Wilcox, New Zealand, 9^th and Mark Fisher, Australia, 10^th made up the top ten for the event. This proved to be one of the best Interdominion ever with the Australians just edging out the Kiwis for the Teams event trophy. There were seven different heat winners with Roger Blasse, Russell Wood, Mark Jackson, Paul Rhodes, Peter Milne, 12^th, Andre Blasse, 13^th and Bruce Ashton, 15^th all winning one heat each in the event.

Thirty-eighth Worlds were held at Leba, Poland in 2000. A fleet of 68 boats competed in the Championship with one Australian entry, Junior Champion James McAllister, being assisted by the Clive Roberts Trust to contest the event. Won by Karsten Hitz, Germany with Nick Craig, Great Britain, 2^nd and Bart Bomans, Belgium, 3^rd. Jorgan Lindhardtsen, Denmark was 4^th, Thomas Hansson-Mild, Sweden, 5^th, Dave Carroll, Great Britain, 6^th, Andy Rushworth, Great Britain, 7^th and Antoni Pawlowski, Poland finished 8^th. James McAllister sailed very well in a chartered boat at his first World Championship to finish 33^rd overall and to win the Junior Championship. Jorgen Lindhardtsen again was the winner of the Veteran Championship.

2001 – Rob Davis wins Nationals in Adelaide.

Thirty-ninth Nationals were held at Adelaide, SA, in January, 2001 and hosted for the first time by the newly established Adelaide SC. Won by Rob Davis, Vic. with a dramatic last heat win from John Gibson, Vic. 2^nd and Mark Jackson, Vic. 3^rd. Mark Fisher, Vic. was 4^th and won the Veterans title, Paul Richards, Vic. 5^th and Justin Graham, Vic. 6^th. John Mackenzie, NSW, finished 7^th, Peter Nielsen, SA, 8^th, Peter Burton, NSW, 9^th and David Clancy, SA, was 10^th. James McAllister, NSW finished 14^th overall and retained his Junior Championship and Bill Tyler, NSW 17^th to successfully defend the Masters title.

Thirty-sixth Interdominions were held at Worser Bay, Wellington, New Zealand in conjunction with the New Zealand Nationals early in February,2001. There were 23 entries but unfortunately no Australians could make it due to the timing of the event. Won by 1998 Junior World Champion, Daniel Bush from Paul Rhodes, 2^nd and Adrian Mannering, 3^rd. Nigel Mannering was 4^th, Joe Porebski, 5^th and Greg Wilcox, 6^th.

Thirty-ninth Worlds were held at Bastad, Sweden in 2001 with a fleet of 79 boats including eight from Australia contesting the event. Won very comfortably by defending Champion, Karsten Hitz, Germany from Bart Bomans, Belgium, 2^nd and Thomas Hansson-Mild, Sweden, 3^rd. Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark was 4^th, Nick Craig, Great Britain, 5^th, Hedley Fletcher, Great Britain, 6^th,Olle Albrektsson, Sweden, 7^th and Paul Rhodes, New Zealand, 8^th overall. Mark Jackson was the best of the Aussies with 11^th, Rob Davis was 18^th, Peter Burton, 35^th, Bill Tyler, 54^th, Peter Yates, 57^th,Paul Richards, 62^nd, Damien Smith, 63^rd and Peter Blunt finished 71^st. Young Kiwi, Andrew Phillips, finished 47^th overall at his first Worlds and won the Junior Championship. Jorgen Lindhardtsen retained his veteran title.

2002 – OK Worlds in New Zealand.

Thirty-seventh Interdominion Championships were contested at Napier, New Zealand in conjunction with the 2002 New Zealand Nationals as a lead in event for the Worlds and attracted 73 entries. This proved to be a very tricky series sailed in light shifty breezes and big swells and was well won by New Zealand’s Alastair Gair sailing in his first International OK event. Jin Hong-chul from Korea was 2^nd followed by Kiwis Jayson Herbert, 3^rd and Richard Barker, 4^th. Denmark’s Jorgen Lindhardtsen was 5^th, Russell Wood, New Zealand, 6^th, Roger Blasse, Australia, 7^th and Paul Rhodes, New Zealand, 8^th. Thomas Hansson-Mild, Sweden finished 9^th and Nick Craig, Great Britain was 10^th. The New Zealand team completely demolished the Australians for the Interdominion Teams Trophy event with Roger being the only Aussie to finish in the top twenty overall. Mark Jackson was our next best at 24^th with John Gibson, 28^th, Peter Horne 34^th, Phillip Taylor 46^th whilst the rest of our team struggled in the difficult conditions

Fortieth Worlds were held at Napier, New Zealand in 2002. Following the tragic events of September, 2001 it was feared that the series would not proceed. However good support was forthcoming from the Northern Hemisphere countries and a near maximum fleet of 78 boats contested the contest. For the first time we had a representative from Korea together with competitors from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, India, Poland, and Sweden joining with the Australians and New Zealanders for the event. The series was dominated by the Kiwis with a powerful display of consistent sailing in the mainly light conditions and lumpy seas on Napier’s off shore courses. Won by veteran Greg Wilcox, New Zealand contesting his 12^th Worlds from Paul Rhodes, New Zealand, 2^nd and Alastair Gair, New Zealand, 3^rd. Korea’s Jin Hong-chul was 4^th, Richard Barker, New Zealand, 5^th, Roger Blasse, Australia, 6^th, Russell Wood, New Zealand, 7^th and Nick Craig, Great Britain, 8^th. Defending Champion, Karsten Hitz, Germany was 9^th, Thomas Hansson-Mild, Sweden, 10^th, Bart Bomans, Belgium, 11^th with Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark, finishing 12^th.overall. Mark Jackson was the next best Australian at 16^th,with John Gibson, 27^th, Peter Horne, 36^th, Paul Richards, 45^th, Phillip Taylor, 49^th, John Mackenzie, 51^st, Justin Graham, 57^th, James McAllister, 58^th, Tom Pearce, 70^th, Les McAllister, 72^nd, and John Corby, 74^th, rounding out the Aussies for the event. Andrew Phillips, New Zealand, finished 24^th overall to retain his Junior Championship and Greg Wilcox is now also World Veteran Champion taking the title from Jorgen Lindhardtsen for the first time in many years.

Fortieth Nationals were held at Wangi, NSW over the Easter long week-end, 2002. Following the Napier, NZ Worlds in January it was thought that we may not receive full support for this event. However a super effort from all concerned saw a fleet of 40 boats contest our 40th Australian Championship. Won by Roger Blasse, Vic. from brother Andre Blasse, Vic. 2^nd and Mark Jackson, Vic. 3^rd. Mark Fisher, Vic. was 4^th and successfully defended his Veterans title, local newcomer Mick McQueen, NSW, was 5^th with a top effort in his first National OK event and Justin Graham, Vic. 6^th. Tim Davies, NSW, 7^th, Peter Burton, NSW, 8^th, Bob Chapman, NSW, 9^th and Peter Jackson, Vic. 10^th rounded out the top 10 places. Bruce Ashton, Vic. finished 15^th overall to claim the Masters title and James McAllister, NSW, 24^th to retain the Junior Championship.

2003 – Mark Jackson wins Nationals & Interdominions.

Forty-first Nationals and the thirty-eighth Interdominion Championships were held at St. Kilda, Vic, 2002/2003 hosted by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. Typical Melbourne New Year weather greeted competitors for the first few days of the Regatta resulting in only one race completed with two days to go. The Race Committee did very well in the last two days to sail three races each day to complete a seven race series. Overall results were Mark Jackson, Vic. 1^st, winning the Championships for the first time, Matt Johnson, Vic. a well deserved 2^nd, and three times past winner Andre Blasse, Vic. 3^rd. Bruce Ashton, Vic. was 4^th successfully retaining the Masters title, with Peter Jackson, Vic, 5^th and the winner of the Veterans title. Mick McQueen, NSW, 6^th, Peter Horne, NSW, 7^th, Tim Davies, NSW, 8^th, Chris Visick, Vic, 9^th and Phil Taylor, Vic. finished 10^th to complete the top ten placing’s. James McAllister, NSW was 13^th overall and again the winner of the Junior Championship.

2003 - Forty-first Worlds were held at Goa, India.

A small but nevertheless competitive fleet of 25 boats competed in the event. India’s Nitin Mongia became his countries’ first ISAF World Champion with his outstanding victory at his 3^rd OK Worlds. In 2001 at Bastad, Sweden, Nitin finished 20th and in 2002 at Napier, New Zealand he came 26th. For the first Worlds on his home waters Nitin prepared well with a serious training programme on the Goa course in the four weeks leading up to the Worlds. He was on the water daily with a full-time coach getting used to the local conditions and developing the blistering down-wind speed that he produced in the events to follow. This preparation paid great dividends as Nitin was clearly the outstanding competitor in the prevailing conditions of light to moderate breezes and lumpy seas. He was a convincing winner of the India Nationals that preceded the Worlds and then produced another great effort to completely dominate the Worlds series against a top class fleet. Ben Morrison from New Zealand came second and Nick Craig from Great Britain was third. Rob Coutts, New Zealand finished 4^th, Rudiger Prinz, Germany, was 5^th, followed by New Zealand’s defending World Champion, Greg Wilcox, 6^th, and fellow Kiwis, Joe Proebski, 7^th and Paul Rhodes, 8^th. Sweden’s Hans Elkjer was 9^th, and Australia’s sole entry in the event, James McAllister, finished a very creditable 10^th at his first Worlds as a senior competitor.

2003 October – Asia Pacific’s

The inaugural Asia-Pacific OK Championships was held at the Penghu Islands, Taiwan, early in October 2003.

This event was held in conjunction with the Taiwan Corona Extra King of Wind regatta that formed part of the 49er class world-series events for 2003. A small fleet of 11 OK dinghies was assembled for the series with boats transported to Taiwan with the assistance of China Airlines. The event was well sponsored and attracted a great deal of attention from the local TV and other media. Current European Champion, Bart Bomans from Belgium won the event and was much too good for the rest of the fleet. Russell Page-Wood, New Zealand, was 2^ndand OKDIA Secretary, Robert Deaves from Great Britain was 3^rd. John Ball from Great Britain was 4^th, followed by local Taiwan laser sailor, Pan Wei Hua 5th, and Alex Scoles, Great Britain, 6^th. Australia’s sole entrant, Bill Tyler was 7^th after struggling in the fresh conditions with Audrey (Bart’s coach) from Belgium and Anna, Jason and Tila from the Canary Islands making up the rest of the fleet. This event provided a great promotional opportunity for the OKs to be seen at a new venue with extensive media coverage. Substantial prize money was provided for the championships by the event organisers and the major sponsors.

2004 – National Championships

Forty-second Nationals and the thirty-ninth Interdominion Championships were held at the Whitsunday Cruising Yacht Club, Airlie Beach, Queensland over the Easter holiday period 2004.

This was an excellent series with fresh conditions providing a solid test for our first international contest with the new carbon masts. Roger Blasse dominated the event from the opening practice race through to heat 6 with convincing victories in all races. His new C-Tech mast and perfectly matched Gale and Rimington sail looked superb on AUS678 and together with Roger’s unmatched skills on the water, proved to be an unbeatable combination at this event. For heat 7 Roger used his old aluminium mast to provide some comparison for the other rigs but unfortunately broke some gear and finished back in the fleet. Overall this was a very impressive performance which showed that Roger has lost none of his well proven ability in the OK despite little time in the boat over the past couple of years whilst campaigning his 14ft skiff. Runner-up and first Kiwi was Mark Perrow, a former laser sailor who finished 4^th in the 2004 New Zealand OK Nationals. Mark sailed an excellent series and counted four seconds in his results. Defending National and Interdominion Champion, Mark Jackson placed third. This was a very good result as Mark has not sailed an OK since last year’s contest which he won sailing Roger’s boat. He recently acquired a new C-Tech mast and Port Nicholson sail and borrowed the ex Peter Milne AUS674 for this event. Previous National Champions, Andre Blasse and Mark Fisher using aluminium masts finished 4^th and 5^th to show that they too have lost none of their outstanding OK skills. Mike Williams made a welcome return to the OK fleet and sailed a great series to finish in 6^th position. Peter Burton was the first NSW placed competitor finishing 7^th, Trent Pryce, NZ was 8^th, Chris Visick, Vic. was 9^th and Phillip Rzepecky from NZ rounded out the top 10. Mark Fisher won the Veterans title and Bill Tyler battled on to the end to take out the Masters title. Trent Pryce won the Handicap series whilst James McAllister was awarded the Patrick Whittington Trophy for the first Australian competitor in the Handicap series.

2004 Forty-second Worlds were held at Poole, England

With a maximum fleet of 81 boats entered. The event was hosted by Parkstone Yacht Club and contested on open water off shore from Bournemouth on Poole Bay. The course area was up to 1.5 hours sailing time from the yacht club located inside Poole Harbour. Negotiating the narrow entrance of the Harbour with the tide flow, vehicle chain ferry and shipping traffic was very frustrating before and after the racing each day. A moderate westerly off the shore for the first two days enabled four evenly contested races to be sailed to get the event off to a good start. For the next two days, the summer heat haze prevented any sea breeze building and all races were abandoned. On one of those days competitors sat for five hours on the water and waited a further three hours ashore on the nudist beach before being towed back to the club at around 1800. The next day in a very sick sea breeze, competitors were on the water for 10 hours to complete three painful races. The final day of the event was also light for most of the day and only two races could be sailed. However, at the completion of the generally well run 9 race series, seven different heat winners had been decided. In one of the most competitive International fleets ever present at an OK Dinghy Worlds, the best bloke still won! Jim Hunt became the first OK Dinghy World Champion from Great Britain and his training partner Nick Craig finished as runner-up following his win in the British Nationals the previous week. Jim won two heats and was only once outside the top 5 to win the event by a massive margin of 32 points. Third place went to defending Champion, Nitin Mongia from India proving his win the previous year was no fluke. European Champion, Bart Bomens, Belgium was 4th, Joe Porebski, New Zealand, 5th, Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark, 6th, Karsten Hitz, Germany, 7th, Thomas Hansson-Mild, Sweden, 8th, Steve McDowell, New Zealand, 9th and Paul Rhodes, New Zealand, 10th. Six more Kiwis in the next 10 places highlighted the outstanding effort of the New Zealand team at this event. Six Australians competed with some welcome sponsorship support from Pall Australia assisting with costs for the transport of the boats. Nick Gray finished 33rd, Peter Burton, 42nd, Chris Visick, 54th, Bill Tyler, 72nd, Tom Pearce, 75th and Richard Furneaux, 76th.

2005 - January - Interdominions Napier New Zealand

Six Australians made the trip across the Tasman to compete in the combined New Zealand Nationals and 40^th Interdominion Championships sailed from the Napier Sailing Club. Sponsorship support for the transport of the boats was obtained from Jetset Travel Black Rock. The series was won by Steve McDowell with ex Laser sailor Karl Purdie, 2^nd, and Greg Wilcox, 3^rd. Mark Perrow was 4^th with top placed Australian, Andre Blasse, 5^th, Alistair Deaves, 6^th, Ben Morrison, 7^th, Paul Rhodes, 8^th, Joe Porebski, 9^th and Russell Wood, 10^th. Other Australian placings were Nick Gray, 18^th, Richard Furneaux, 27^th, Tom Pearce, 28^th, Peter Lynch, 29^th and Chris Hall, 31^st.

2005 - 43RD INTERNATIONAL OK DINGHY AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

This event proved to be a good warm up series for our important 2006 events. Its fair to say that we all learned something from the Championships and this should enable us to improve our performance in a number of areas for next year. We will need the co-operation and support from all members of the Australian OK Association and the Belmont 16 footers leading up to February, 2006. Forty-third Nationals were held at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on Lake Macquarie, NSW over the Easter week-end 2005. This event was conducted at Belmont as a test event for our 2006 Australian, Interdominion and World Championships to be hosted by the club in February 2006. The Championship was sponsored by Zhik and attracted 42 entries from 5 states together with Mark Perrow from New Zealand, who competed by invitation. Defending Champion, Roger Blasse was again successful in a closely contested series with brother Andre Blasse, 2^nd and Peter Horne, 3^rd. Tim Davies finished 4^th, Paul Foster, 5^th, Mick McQueen, 6^th, Mark Perrow, 7^th, Mark Jackson, 8^th, Mike Williams, 9^th and Peter Lynch was 10^th. Andre Blasse won the Veterans title and Bill Tyler retained his Masters title. For the first time in many years we had three lads competing for the Junior Championship with Tom Burton winning from David O’Donnell and Jonathon Hogan. The highly coveted Patrick Whittington Trophy was awarded to David Ketteridge

2005 – World’s Denmark

Forty-third Worlds were held at Skaelskoer, Denmark in 2005. As with the preceding Worlds in the UK, conditions were variable throughout the week providing difficult racing for the fleet of 63 boats. Australia was well represented with our two best OK sailors, brothers Roger and Andre Blasse joined by Peter Nielsen and Paul Richards all sailing their own boats transported to Denmark for the Worlds. The Kiwis too were again well represented with 10 competitors contesting the event. Very close racing saw five different heat winners over the 9 race series with last year’s runner-up, Nick Craig from Great Britain finally breaking through to win his first OK Dinghy World Championship. Nick was very consistent throughout the week with 2 heat wins and a worst placing of 5^th in the first 8 races enabling him to sit out the final race of the series. Jonas Quist, a Laser sailor new to the OK fleet in Sweden with 2 heat wins was 2^nd followed by 2002 World Champion and winner of the Veterans title, Greg Wilcox, with 3 heat wins, 3^rd. Roger Blasse was always in contention counting 3, 6, 6, 11, 3, 10, 14, 1 including his great win in the fresh conditions of the last heat to finish 4^th. Denmark’s Jorgen Lindhardtsen, was the best of the locals finishing 5^th ahead of team mates Mogens Johansen, 6^th and Ulf Brandt, 7^th whilst Steve McDowell, New Zealand finished 8^th, Martin Von Zimmermann, Germany, 9^th and Peter Wibro, Denmark was 10^th. Andre Blasse didn’t do himself any favours with 2 black flags on the first day giving him a poor start to the series. He then had a couple of good races to finish 26^th overall with Paul Richards, 43^rd and Peter Nielsen, 52^nd.

2006 - Forty-fourth Nationals were held in conjunction with the forty-first Interdominion Championships

Held at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on Lake Macquarie, NSW early in February 2006. The contest held as an open Championship with 78 entries from six nations was sponsored by TOSHIBA. This was a top series with fresh breezes and great summer weather giving our visitors a good introduction to Belmont and the superb sailing conditions experienced on Lake Macquarie. Defending Australian Champion, Roger Blasse won the closely contested event from Russell Wood, New Zealand, 2^nd with World Champion, Nick Craig, Great Britain, 3^rd. Andre Blasse was 4^th, Mark Perrow, New Zealand, 5^th, Karl Purdie, New Zealand, 6^th, Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark, 7^th and Greg Wilcox, New Zealand, 8^th. Peter Horne was the next best Australian finishing 9^th and Mike Williams was 10^th. Andre Blasse retained his National Veterans title, Bruce Ashton regained the National Masters crown and Tom Burton retained the Junior Championship. The Patrick Whittington Trophy was awarded to Mike Williams.

During the week of the Belmont World Championship event a “Golden Oldies” Masters Reunion of OK sailors from the 1960s and 1970s was held at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club. The reunion organised by the Australian Association’s first President and Life Member, Ray Stone, with assistance from his wife Robyn, was a great success. Over 60 guests attended the function that was superbly catered for by the staff at the club. Without mentioning names invited guests and former members of our Association and partners from Great Britain, Denmark, New Zealand, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and throughout New South Wales were able to join us for the event. Many of the reunion participants also viewed the Worlds racing on the day from the chartered ferry “Wangi Queen” and a great time was had by all. This very successful day did much to contribute to the overall success of the Belmont Worlds.

2006 – Forty-fourth Worlds were sponsored by TOSHIBA

Held at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia in February 2006. The great support received from Toshiba (Australia) Pty. Ltd., NSW Sport and Recreation, ESP Promotions, Ronstan, Zhik, Netwerks and Chippendale Printing Company Pty. Limited enabled the Management Committee to host a first class event. Excellent sailing conditions prevailed throughout the entire week of the series. The Race Committee headed by PRO, Kevin Wilson was able to complete the scheduled programme of 10 races for the first time since the introduction of the new race format to the International OK Dinghy World Championships. As the series progressed an epic contest developed between defending World Champion, Nick Craig, Great Britain and Denmark OK legend, Jorgen Lindhardtsen. The result was in doubt up to the last race with Jorgen just in front at the completion of race 9. Nick finally retained his title with a last heat win counting 7, 3, 6, 3, 2, 2, 1, 2, 1 for 27 points. Unfortunately for him, Jorgen had his worst heat placing of 10^thin the last heat and counted 1, 3,7,8 ,2 ,3 ,8 ,2 ,1 for 35 points. Very close racing in all heats resulted in seven different heat winners with Greg Wilcox, New Zealand, 3^rd overall, being the only other sailor to win two heats. Australian and Interdominion Champion, Roger Blasse was 4^th with one heat win and Karl Purdie, New Zealand was 5^th. Mike Williams, Australia, also won a heat finishing 6^th overall from Peter Horne, Australia, 7^th. Andre Blasse, Australia, had a heat win too and finished 8^th, Adrian Mannering, New Zealand, was 9^th and fellow kiwi Steve McDowell rounded out the top 10. Tom Burton, Australia, finished 35^th overall and won the World Junior Championship not awarded since 2002. Jorgen Lindhardtsen regained his Veterans title last passed back to Greg Wilcox in Denmark at the 2005 Worlds.

2007 -

The Worser Bay Boating Club in Wellington, New Zealand hosted the combined New Zealand Nationals and forty-second Interdominion Championship over the long week-end early in February, 2007. Two Australians, Andre Blasse from VIC and Peter Wallace from NSW competed in the event using borrowed boats courtesy of the Kiwis. Wellington has a reputation for big breezes but a high pressure system produced a light weather series with winds coming from all directions other than the west. The series was dominated by the Kiwis and won by veteran sailor Paul Rhodes from Steve McDowell, 2nd and Volvo Round-the-World sailor, Stu Bannatyne, 3rd. This was Paul’s first National Championship and Interdominion Championship after 27 years in the OK class. A very well deserved and popular win was suitably celebrated by all competitors at the event. Luke O’Connell was 4th, Matt Stechmann, 5th, Mark Perrow, 6th, Karl Purdie, 7th, Andy Pardington, 8th, Alistair Deaves, 9th and Ben Morrison, 10th. Andre Blasse won a heat and finished 12th overall with Peter Wallace 16th in the 24 boat fleet.

Forty-fourth Nationals were held at Adelaide SC, South Australia over the Easter long week-end, 2007. A very good fleet of 39 boats contested the well conducted 7 race series. National Champion for the 9th time was Roger Blasse. Mike Williams was 2nd and Bruce Ashton was 3rd. Peter Horne finished 4th, David Ketteridge, 5th, local junior, Todd Hughes, 6th, Tim Davies, 7th, Andre Blasse, 8th, another local newcomer, Aaron Heritage, 9th and Bob Chapman, 10th. David Ketteridge was awarded the Veterans title, Bruce Ashton retained his Masters title and Todd Hughes won the Junior Championship. Adelaide’s Ellen Ketteridge won a hard fought Ladies title from Emily Furneaux from Black Rock YC. The Patrick Whittington Trophy was awarded to Bob Chapman.

Forty-fifth Worlds were held in Leba, Poland in 2007 as a celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the OK Dinghy. A record of 119 entrants was accepted for the event to commemorate this occasion. Conditions were extreme with racing not possible on the first two days of the scheduled programme due to the heavy conditions. The third day was also lost due to light frustrating conditions so the series did not get off to a good start. An eight race series was then sailed on the last three days of the event in very fresh conditions. Defending World Champion, Nick Craig from Great Britain sailed a great series to win his third World Championship in a row. Nick countered 4 wins, two seconds and a third placing and dropped another third for a total of 11 points. This was a wonderful effort in such a hard fought event. Mark Perrow from New Zealand won 3 races and finished 2nd on a count-back from team mate Karl Purdie who won 1 race and finished 3rd after both of the Kiwis were tied on 27 points. Karsten Hitz, Germany was 4th, Paul Rhodes, New Zealand, 5th, Gunter Arndt, Germany, 6th, Jorgen Lindhardtsen, Denmark, 7th, Matt Stechmann, New Zealand, 8th, Andre Blasse, Australia, 9th and Oliver Gronholz, Germany finished 10th. David O’Donnell, Australia, sailed superbly in the conditions to finish 57th overall and won the Junior World Championship. Karl Purdie was the winner of the Veterans title. Other Australians were Bob Buchanan, 35th, Peter Lynch, 46th, Glenn Yates, 61st, Darren Hunt, 62nd, Richard Furneaux, 63rd, Tom Pearce, 96th and David Swales, 103rd.

At the opening ceremony for the 2007 World Championship the class unveiled the OKDIA Hall of Fame. OKDIA President, Greg Wilcox, introduced the initiative to honour the 50th year of the OK Dinghy. Greg said that it is hoped that our Hall of Fame will eventually include not only the great sailors among us but also those who have contributed in many special ways to the class we all love. Long term OK sailor Jorgen Lindhardtsen from Denmark was bestowed the honour of being the first inductee to the OKDIA Hall of Fame.

At the annual NSW Yachting awards held at Darling Harbour on Saturday, 4 August, 2007 OK Dinghy veteran Bill Tyler was awarded the prestigious Services to Yachting award. In making this presentation, Stephen Leahy CEO of Yachting NSW, paid tribute to Bill’s 50 plus years continuous sailing record in VJs, 16ft skiffs, Moths and the OK Dinghy and to his outstanding contribution to the OKs with his many years as an honorary official of the class associations.

The New Zealand OK Dinghy Class Association celebrated the 50th year of the OK Dinghy with a gala dinner at Takapuna Boating Club on 20 October. Nearly 70 OK Dinghy sailors from the past and the present came together for a week-end of racing and to remember some of their heroes from the past 50 years. During the ceremony, OKDIA President Greg Wilcox, proudly announced the induction of two fellow New Zealanders, the late Clive Roberts and Leith Armit, to the OKDIA Hall of Fame. Accepting the award on behalf of her late husband, Bev Roberts was visibly moved when Greg presented her with a memento of the occasion. Leith is a man of few words but in his short acceptance speech he said he was humbled, surprised and very proud to receive induction to the OKDIA Hall of Fame.

2008

The combined forty-sixth Australian Nationals and the forty-third Interdominion Championship was conducted at Black Rock YC on Port Phillip in January, 2008. Roger Blasse won the event and was crowned Australian Champion for a record 10th time. Unfortunately no Kiwis made it to the event on this occasion but a very competitive 32 boat fleet sailed a solid six race series. Roger won two races and scored two seconds and a third for a total of 9 points. He again just defeated his brother Andre who had one win, two seconds, a third and a fifth for a total of 13 points. Tim Davies was 3rd just holding out Bruce Ashton by one point to finish 4th. Justin Barr was 5th, Peter Wallace, 6th, Glenn Yates, 7th, David Ketteridge, 8th, David Clancy, 9th and Mick McQueen, 10th. The Masters title was retained by Bruce Ashton and Andre Blasse won the Veterans title. Ellen Ketteridge again won the Ladies title in a close contest from Emily Furneaux. The greatly prized Patrick Whittington handicap trophy was won by Bill Tyler.

At the forty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the International OK Association of Australia held at Black Rock YC, Bruce Ashton was formally elected as the fifth Honorary Life Member of the Australian Association. It was considered appropriate for this honour to be announced at Bruce’s home club at the Australian Championship Presentation Dinner. Bruce now joins Ray Stone, Bill Tyler, Terry Bellair and Bill Bell as our Honorary Life Members. Bruce’s contributions to our association over the past 36 years or so have been enormous. As well as being a two time National Champion and wonderful competitor on the race course over all the years, Bruce has been responsible for assisting with much of the technical development of our boats and rigs throughout the past three decades. He greatly assisted Terry Bellair with his sail development programme during the 1980s onwards and has consulted with boat builders and rig developers to ensure we continue to be competitive with overseas developments. On the local Victorian scene at Black Rock YC, Bruce is always available to assist newcomers to our fleet with their introduction to sailing the OK Dinghy. He is always competitive and highly respected by all for his sportsmanship and comradeship. His dedication to our class over all the years is very deserving of this honour of Life Membership.

Forty-sixth World Championship was held at Warnemunde, Germany in July, 2008. This was an excellent event in a great location. At the conclusion of a very tense nine race series three times World Champion, Nick Craig from Great Britain, just failed in his attempt to become the first person to win four consecutive OK Dinghy World titles. Karl Purdie from New Zealand won two races on the first day and scored two seconds on the second day followed by a 2nd and a 3rd on day three to establish an early lead in the event. A 16th and a 7th on day four were enough to make up his winning series score of 34 points after another 16th for his drop in the only race on the final day of the contest. Nick Craig started relatively poorly for him with 7th and 3rd on day one, 3rd and a win on day two and 11th and 8th on day three. He had another win and his drop of 22nd on the fourth day and finished with 4th on day five for his total of 38 points. Australia’s Andre Blasse finished 3rd with very consistent racing. His score of 2, 9, 4, 3, 2,(46),7,11,2 for a total of 40 points highlighted his quality performance in the event. Only one race was possible on the last day due to the prevailing storm conditions. Who knows what the result may have been if a tenth race had been sailed! Former two times World Champion, Karsten Hitz from Germany finished 4th, Thomas Hansson-Mild from Sweden was 5th and Mark Perrow from New Zealand 6th. With yet another top ten finish in a World Championship OK legend Jorgen Lindhardtsen from Denmark was 7th,followed by Terry Curtis, Great Britain, 8th, Christian Olesen, Denmark, 9th and Greg Wilcox, New Zealand, 10th. World Champion, Karl Purdie also won the Veterans title. The Junior Championship winner Matthew Stephen from New Zealand sailed a great contest to finish 11th overall and scored an impressive heat win. Young Matt is a very talented sailor and hopefully he will remain with the Kiwi OK fleet leading up to the 2010 Wellington Worlds. The two Australian juniors sailed well with defending Champion David O’Donnell finishing 52nd overall and Morgan Staley in his first International contest finished 82nd in the 90 boat fleet. Other Australians were, David Clancy, 28th, Rob Davis, 38th, Bob Buchanan, 48th, Glenn Yates, 51st, David Ketteridge, 57th, Darren Hunt, 65th, Bill Tyler, 83rd and Peter Wallace, 87th after a bad head injury prevented him from sailing after the second day.

At the Championship Dinner held in Warnemunde during the Worlds, three of the most influential OK Dinghy sailors from Australia, Germany and Poland were honoured by being inducted to the OKDIA Hall of Fame. Bill Tyler (AUS), Norbert Petrausch (GER) and the late Marian Jankowski (POL) were recognised for their profound influence on the growth and development of the OK Dinghy class in their three countries. OKDIA President, Greg Wilcox, spoke of the inductees by saying that all amateur classes depend to a large extent on the enthusiasm and dedication of many unpaid individuals. He said that without people such as Bill, Norbert and Marian, OK Dinghy sailing in their countries would be far poorer as a result.