OK Dinghy – US OK Dinghy Racing Association

About OK Dinghy – US OK Dinghy Racing Association

Why Not Try the OK Dinghy!
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The OK Dinghy is a light, responsive sailing dinghy that may be raced in fair and equal competition all over the world, without getting into cut-throat Olympic competition, and with the freedom to appeal to the individual that is in each of us. The OK Dinghy International Association (OKDIA) is the world organization for the OK Dinghy class. The OK Dinghy is a 4m long single-handed sailing racing dinghy. The design of the OK dinghy celebrated it’s 60th anniversary in 2017.

OK Dinghy Class History
In 1957, Axel Dangaard Olsen of Seattle, U.S.A., asked the Danish yacht designer Knud Olsen to prepare drawings for a light and fast single-handed sailing dinghy based on conventional plywood construction. The resulting design was named the O.K., using Knud Olsen’s initials in reverse (I guess KO would have sent the wrong message). The OK was intended as a preparation class for the Olympic Finn and it has followed its technical evolution ever since. Sometimes the OK even sets new standards in single-handers. In the beginning, the OK was something like a revolution. Some national authorities tried to prohibit the OK because it was ‘not sailable’, but after a while it became clear that it was the sailor who was not.

Today, we are seeing a remarkable revival of the OK Class. Lots of older boats are being restored and updated, new boats are being built and participation in club races is on the rise. Currently, there are over 2000 sailors actively racing globally, nearly half of these competing in one Major or World Championship. The OK was elected as single-hander for the Asian Games 1998.

Robert Deaves, International OK Dinghy Association Executive Secretary writes – “… there is huge potential in the USA and Canada (a new Ovington was recently sent to Canada) for growing the class. I understand that sailing is different over there, but the potential is there if it is done the right way. “Many sailors are increasingly looking for a competitive but fun, social class they can invest in.” We’ve seen that in Denmark and France recently. I see no reason why the USA cannot be the next success. Keep up the good work. I think you are heading for some interesting times.”

Based on a strong history, the International OK Class is facing a bright future.