British team ready for OK Dinghy World Championship 2026 in Denmark
by Gavin Poulloin 8 Jun 09:24 BST
5-12 June 2026
OK Dinghy Worlds opening ceremony in Denmark © Robert Deaves /
www.robertdeaves.uk
This year the OK class celebrates it 70th anniversary by hosting the World Championships in Denmark, the home of the original class designer and builder Knud Olsen. Yet again the class has exceeded all expectations and for the second year running over 200 boats including 19 Brits, and one Devon born and bred Canadian, will all be competing for the title of OK dinghy World Champion. Well, that's the idea!
In theory of the British fleet really only 2022 World Champion and current European champion, Charlie Cumbley of North Sails (GBR6), his coach and (training) event partner Matt Howard (GBR2298). Matt was also fifth at least years gruelling worlds in Garda, and Ben Flower (CAN26) who was sixth at Garda, and runner up on countback to Charlie at last year's Europeans, stand a real chance of winning.
Some might say maybe Ovington boats MD and Flying Fifteen legend, Chris Turner (GBR44,) and Idol composites MD, winner of numerous UK events, Alex Scoles (GBR 13) stand a chance if a huge slice of lady luck is on their side. If you want to read about all the runners and riders for the event, then Robert Deaves' article is your best place to go.
If you go off the Garda results then Tom Bayliss (GBR2213) Thomas Lonsdale (GBR33) P&B, Andy Dalby (GBR2273), Ian Hopwood (GBR91), and Jason Pyke (GBR2221) will not only be hoping to be in the Gold fleet again, but I'm sure will hope to be more consistent and improve on last year's positions. I fear for Dolby this year, as his more sensible and (very) mature partner in crime is not going.
Rob Starling (GBR2279) like some of us, had an event to forget at Garda, and used up all his book of excuses, so will be hopeful of an improvement this year. Rupert Smith (GBR2239) always sails with a smile on his face, so I'm sure will just be happy to be out sailing in the sunshine. Secretly I'm sure he'll want to improve on last year and see of he can get in the silver fleet. 11 down 8 to go.
If its light, then Bernard Clarke (GBR47), and Olivier Vidal (GBR100) and will fancy their chances of a good regatta. However, for Olivier his chances all depend upon his choice of audio book he falls asleep to. Tynemouth's Alex Oyston (GBR26) has been putting in some time on the water at this year's host venue for the UK Nationals (3rd - 6th September), and Junior member Harvey Leigh (GBR2270) backed up a respectable 8th at Northampton last year with an impressive 3rd at the Burghfield Sprints. Both could be ones to watch.
Along with Alex and Harvey, David McGregor (GBR2250), Jeremy Gale (GBR2286), Philip Plumtree (GBR7), Simon Philbrick (GBR51) will all be experiencing their first OK Worlds. They will soon discover what a great fleet the OK's are, with good but friendly competition on the water, followed by great banter helped by the free drinks. Plus, due to the nature of design of the boat racing is always very close, and if you get it right this can be very rewarding. Be warned though the same can be applied to the opposite.
A huge thank you has to go to our team sponsor for the event Vaikobi, in association with Sail Performance UK, who have supplied the stunning Worlds polo shirts you see in the team photo. They also continue to support the 2026 UK Travellers Series. As with all major OK dinghy regattas plenty of news will be available throughout the event on the OKIDA website and YouTube channel.
Good luck to all the OK sailors taking part I hope it's another great OK event. Those of us stuck in a cool windy Blighty are all quite envious.
Event website