Chairman’s corner
Welcome to our new and wonderful website, sorry for the delay in it’s launch,also apologies for not having a website for the past month or so,but the old website got hit with viruses, which unfortunately left us with no alternative but to shut it down, so hopefully you all agree our new website will see us in good stead in building the class in the coming years. I would like to add a big thanks to Dave Cooper for all the hard work and time he spent on the original website and also to Colin Meddows-Smith for setting up the new website, well done both of you.
This year sees the class celebrating its 60th anniversary. You should see a report from Sue Byers here somewhere, outlining some of our plans so far. Without trending on Sue’s toes. Keep 17th – 20th August free, Herne Bay sailing club OK Nationals,and we will be hoping for a high turnout.
Personally I can’t believe the class is now 60 years old, and even more hard to swallow is that I have been sailing OK’s for half of that time. There are even many more people who have been sailing them even much longer than I have, which just shows the passion and loyalty we have for the OK dinghy. Also remarkable is the number of people returning to the class, after some or even considerable absence away. OK sailing is just in your blood!
This year sees the world championship for the very first time being held in the Caribbean, Barbados will be home for the fleet in late May. We wish the British team every success. Many people will also be off to Faaborg Denmark in late July to contest the European championships. All the best to those going.
On the home front, Ken has put together an excellent fixtures list,so there is no excuse not to go OK sailing this year.I am extremely pleased to announce that we have an important sponsor for the Grand Tour Series this year. It is to be ‘re-named the North Sails Grand Tour series. With a brand new North sail to be presented at the end of the year. More details will be available soon. Dave will also be announcing details on a new initiative for a inland series.
Medemblik is in early May this year which is always well attended, and if you attend the French Northern Championships and the Nationals in Herne Bay you will be in with a chance of winning the Tri-series Trophy that Ken is kindly donating this year.So all I ask is that you support your class whether it’s at international events, and or supporting open meetings, we need your support, because without good attendance at open meetings, we will struggle to keep many events on the calendar.
Most importantly whatever your plans are for this year, just make sure you go out there and enjoy your OK sailing.Which just leaves me to say have a great season and I will see on the water very soon.
