This will mark the first ever OK Dinghy class championship to be held in Spanish waters and recognises the remarkable growth in the class there over the past three years.
While the current expansion and popularity of the world OK Dinghy class is not exactly new news, the explosion of the class in Palma took everyone by surprise. What started as a couple of boats being built by stealth during the pandemic has grown into an unstoppable movement of all things OK Dinghy shaped.
There are now 17 boats at the Real Club Nautico de Palma, with 20-25 sailors regularly taking to the water, both Spanish and many ex-pats who live and work in Palma. In addition, many sailors from all over Europe fly in for training and weekend regattas. Only last week the Mid Winter Championship attracted the likes of five-time OK Dinghy world champion Nick Craig and HD Sails’ Andy Davis for a weekend of coaching and racing.
As the fleet grew, talk started of the club hosting a championship, but there is never a better time than the present, so the fleet were awarded the 2024 European Championship to further encourage the fleet in Palma to grow.
The championship takes place from 28 October to 3 November in what is the low season for tourists in Palma but still with temperatures in the mid 20s. The fleet and the club are bending over backwards to lay on a superb championship with ample social events, which are a key part of OK Dinghy regattas, and discounted ferries and accommodation.
With the 2024 World Championship starting in Brisbane, Australia, at the end of February, expectation are for a high entry in Palma to make the best of some great weather and a fantastic destination late in the season.
The Notice of Race, Entry Form and other information can be found at 2024.okeuropeans.org
