OK Dinghy class at the Ovington Inlands at Grafham Water Sailing Club

OK Class during the Ovington Inlands at Grafham Water © Paul Sanwell / OPP

With 29 entries the OK fleet arrived at Grafham SC on Saturday 21st March for the Ovington OK Inland event to be joined by the Fireflys and K1's in the slow handicap fleet with separate starts for all 3 classes.

Whilst the fleets rigged, the morning mist burnt off with the sun shining through and a very light breeze flickering in and out. The PRO took the decision to launch on time in the hope of getting as many races in as possible due to a forecast of even less wind for day 2 on Sunday.

OK Class during the Ovington Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

After a slight delay race 1 got under way, following a little breeze appearing to carry the fleet out to the start area, unfortunately this died away with the race been shortened at the Leeward gate. Nick Craig, had managed to arrive at the windward mark first along with Roger Tushingham and Charlie Cumbley. Also hot on their heels was fleet lightweight Neil Goodhead, these positions held to the finish followed closely by James Dyas and the chasing fleet.

OK Class during the Ovington Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

For race 2 the wind got even more fickle and swung 180 degrees during the start sequence leaving a running start. Ed Bradburn arrived at the windward 1st with Goodhead right on his transom amongst the majority of the Firefly and K1 fleets making navigation to the wing mark extremely awkward allowing Craig to close the gap. The 3 boats then tussled for position to the finish with the final outcome been Craig, Bradburn then Goodhead with Tushingham close behind. Unfortunately, Bradburn did not get a finish gun as he had been observed as OCS at the start. As the wind had now completely died, racing was abandoned for the rest of the day.

OK Class during the Ovington Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The wind strength had not improved for Sunday's 10-30am start, after just over a hour's waiting on the water, the decision was made to abandon racing again, leaving a 2 race series.

Overall Results: