First ever OK Dinghy major championship in Spain opened in Palma

The OK Dinghy European Championship was opened in Palma Tuesday evening with 82 sailors from 14 nations completing registration. Hosted by the Real Club Nàutico de Palma, it will be the first ever international OK Dinghy championship to be held in Spain.

A few hardy souls ventured out for the practice race in 20-25 knots while many enjoyed the hospitality of the club ahead of what looks like a tough week ahead. Though a largely cloudy day temperature were in the mid 20s.

At the opening ceremony in the evening, the sailors were welcomed on behalf of the club by Hugo Ramon. He commented, “The OK Dinghy is a great example of how working together we can achieve great things. As board member it is a source of pride to see that adults have a category where they can compete on equal terms. Seeing the constant activity of the OK Dinghy is admirable and I would to thank Javier Estarellas, Luis Portella, and Mark Branagh whose passion has been responsible for the health of this class in Mallorca. We welcome you to our home and wish you an excellent regatta.”

OKDIA President Mark Jackson, from Australia, responded by saying, “What a thrill it is to be here in Palma. It is a literally a bucket list venue for all of those of us who sail dinghies. I’ve always wanted to come and sail here and when the OKDIA Committee discussed coming here following the growth of the Spanish OK Dinghy class, when the opportunity arose to have a European Championship here, we said absolutely.”

This event marks Jackson’s final event as class President. He is retiring after seven and a half years in the role, one of the longest terms anyone has held the position of President.

He continued, “It’s been an absolute privilege. I have seen the class change a lot in that time, with a lot of different people. It has been a wonderful journey from my perspective. We have a wonderful OKDIA Committee and I have been so lucky to work with them.”

Jackson has led the class through some difficult years and led many tough decisions during the pandemic surrounding cancelling events. He has also been driving many of the current class initiatives to continue the growth and development of the class worldwide. On the water he has also achieved success with most recently an eighth place at the 2024 World Championship in Brisbane.

Vice President, Pontus Gäbel, from Sweden, will become the Acting President until the next AGM will elect a successor. He paid a heartfelt tribute to Jackson and made a presentation. “Thank you very much. It’s fair to say over the last seven years, after taking over in Barbados, I know that we owe you much for your leadership especially through a few really difficult years. We have good press and have something to write about when we come off the water and you have been instrumental in that. So thank you for all the hard work and dedication you have given the class, from the OKDIA leadership team but also from all the sailors.”

There is major excitement among the sailors in Palma for a great week of racing ahead. Early light wind forecasts have changed to moderate winds for most of the week. Racing begins on Wednesday 30 October and continues through to Sunday 3 November.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE 2024 OK DINGHY EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2024 OK Dinghy European Championship is being held at in Palma, Mallorca, hosted by tee al Club Nautico de Palma. Ten races are scheduled from 30 October to 3 November June. The fleet consists of 80 sailors from 14 nations.