Allen OK Class UK Inland Championship at Rutland Sailing Club - Runners and Riders
by Gavin Poulloin 3 Sep 2024 21:41 NZST
7-8 September 2024
OK Sprint Races at Burghfield © Peter Blackman / Burghfield SC
The eagerly anticipated OK UK inland Championships is almost here. Over the weekend of 7th-8th September, for the first time in many many years, the OK class will return to Rutland Water for the 2024 Allen sponsored Inland Championship, and round 4 of 5 of the Allen OK Dinghy Grand Slam.
With many of our more established "top of the fleet" sailors preoccupied over the weekend, and with the added joy of inland lake sailing, this year's events could easily see a new name on the Inland Trophy.
On the current entry list there are two names that stand out: Current World Number 3 and 2024 Medemblik winner Andy (Taxi) Davis will fancy his chances, but he's not been in an OK for a while, so could be a bit rusty.
Hayling Island's very own Mathew Howard had a choice of classes to sail in this shared Finn, Europe and OK event. Luckily for the Class Matt has decide to sail his OK over his Europe (hehe). Matt is eyeing up the worlds in Garda next year, so may well use this weekend as a training event?
Others who may fancy their chance's and certainly be eyeing up the podium are:
- Light wind lake specialist Neil Goodhead. Neil returning to the fleet after a few years out, is starting to find his feet in his recently acquired Ovington boat, and showed the class he still has what it takes in the light wind days at this year's Nationals.
- New class Secretary Simon Davis can often find his groove at inland venues. Rumours have it he's having physio to rediscover his youthful flexibility; well, he's talking about it.
- Gavin (if only) Poulloin is taking an old classic again to see if this year he can actually hold on to a lead until the end of a race for once.
- Finally let's not forget the local Micheal Airey, who will know every quirkily shift around the lake, in what could be an uncommon North Easterly wind over the weekend.
With loads of Allen goodies on offer, including a nice Voucher which will be won through a prize draw, camping and the bunk house available www.okdinghy.co.uk/venue/rutland-sc and Pizza with Desert on offer at the club Saturday evening, there's no excuse to be sat at home doing the chores, when you could be at Rutland enjoying a great weekend sailing.
Entry is still open until Friday Night www.rutlandsailingclub.co.uk/events