Overy Staithe OK Open Meeting Preview– A change from tradition

Easter racing at Overy Staithe © Jennie Clark

For more years than I care to remember a visit to Overy Staithe for the OK open has either meant a Friday evening drive or a very early start on Saturday. Eight o'clock starts often being the norm and back ashore by ten-thirty. Somehow the breakfast tasted even better!

Roll forward to 2024 and this event, now in its 52nd or more year history, is trying something new in an effort to attract new attendees and remind old friends of the delights and beauty of the north Norfolk coastline.

The club has decided to plan the event for a neap tide weekend which will give competitors the benefits of a much later program of events, breakfast at breakfast time, additional parking and rigging area, a much reduced tide and corresponding current. There will be detrimental consequences such as missing out on seeing that brand new £70k motorcar being ruined by the incoming tide... but... hey!... he can afford another one.

The dates are 29-30 June 2024.

The plan will be to have the briefing at around 10.30 on Saturday, go afloat around 11.00 and hopefully, if the weather is kind, get out to sea for the first of two races starting at 11.30. The plan for the Sunday will be similar but an hour later and without the briefing.

There are details about motorhome and campsites in the venue specific page on the website together with local amenities such as the ferry out to the beach, coffee, eateries and even a local vintage car event at one of the motorhome sites.

The race team, led by ex-class secretary Andy Turner, and local OK class members wait to offer you a very warm welcome.

Easter Egg racing at Overy Staithe - photo © Jennie Clark