If you ever wonder why Kiwis are so damn good in virtually all kinds of sailing including foiling, Volvo Ocean Race and the Olympics, look no further than the just-concluded OK Dinghy Worlds.
This design predates the Laser by a lot, and was originally supposed to be a training boat for the Finn. It’s a great boat, and there’s substantial freedom in the setup so in a lot of ways the boat is constantly upgraded and improved and very modern. Many of the hulls are quite old and wood. See the article by Noj Henderson in February edition of 48 North for a lot more about the class including its history in the Pacific Northwest.
You don’t see the Kiwis wringing their hands about whether or not it’s the fastest or best singlehander out there, or if it’s going to be the Olympic boat or not, they just get out there and race at a high level. 110 of them! The PNW can claim two of the competitors, Noj and my old shipmate Eric Rone. And they both sailed under the NZL, not the USA, flag. Makes sense. They just got out there and raced!
The other thing, the Kiwis as a whole value sailing. The regatta had videos, photos and all kinds of coverage daily. The video shows the 100+ boat starts, something that’s not seen very much any more. And the mark roundings, which appeared epic but orderly. Check it out, especially the offhand humility of the leaders interview. “Yeah, well, I really didn’t have that great a speed….” OK….sure.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
I grew up sailing an OK Dinghy! I am 65 now, my Dad bought it for us when I was 8. That little boat was sailed and raced for decades.