Four races and four winners on Day 1 of OK Dinghy European Championship on Lake Garda

The 2023 OK Dinghy European Championship at Circolo Vela Arco began Monday with four races in 10-15 knots of hot southerly breeze that gave everyone a challenge. The race wins went to Jens Eckardt of Denmark and Britain’s Matt Howard in the yellow group, while Britain’s Charlie Cumbley and Germany’s Jan Kurfeld won the blue fleet group races.

Matt Howard, GBR
Matt Howard, GBR

After a short delay on the water the Ora filled in slowly and built to provide an awesome day of sailing. Germany’s Andre Budzien led yellow fleet for both races for a while but was scored UFD in the opening race and was then passed by Howard in the second.
 
In the blue fleet, it was a battle between Kurfeld, Cumbley and Denmark’s Bo Petersen and France’s Valerian Lebrun. While Cumbley got the better off them in the opening race, Kurfeld slipped past in the second to take the win.

Jens Eckardt, DEN
Jens Eckardt, DEN

Three races are scheduled for Tuesday before the fleet splits in gold and silver groups for the final two days.

Bob Buchanan, AUS
Bob Buchanan, AUS

It was a momentous day for the class with more than 100 OK Dinghies sailing on Lake Garda for the first time ever – it was a sight to behold.

Fantastic conditions
Fantastic conditions

Full gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/okdia/albums/72177720311119226
 
Results so far here: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/5135/event

Event website: 2023.okeuropeans.org

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