The OK Dinghy World Championship concluded on Friday with two remarkable races at Skovshoved, Denmark, where Johan Schubert clinched the title, becoming the first Danish champion in 46 years. Schubert won both races, showcasing exceptional sailing skills in challenging conditions with winds ranging from 12 to 18 knots.
In the first race, Schubert trailed Pim van Vugt, who initially led the pack. However, van Vugt was disqualified for a false start, allowing Schubert to take the lead and finish well ahead of Matt Howard from Britain and Stefan Hoffmann from Germany.
Entering the final race, Schubert faced pressure but maintained composure, leading from the start and securing a significant victory over Wannes van Laer from Belgium and Thomas Hansson-Mild from Sweden.
The event attracted a competitive fleet, with Schubert’s performance highlighting his swift adaptation to the OK Dinghy class, having just a week of practice before the championship. His reflections on the experience emphasized the learning journey and respect for his competitors.
This championship marked a significant milestone in the class’s history, coinciding with its 70th anniversary and returning to its roots in Denmark, where the first OK Dinghy was launched.
Looking ahead, the next World Championship will be held at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, with 131 boats already expressing interest in competing.
Final results after seven races:
1. DEN 1533 Johan SCHUBERT 11
2. BEL 112 Wannes van LAER 18
3. GBR 2298 Matt HOWARD 21
4. GER 18 Jan KURFELD 27
5. GBR 6 Charlie CUMBLEY 31
6. GER 886 Stefan HOFFMANN 32
7. SWE 71 Niklas EDLER 34
8. NED 7 Pim van VUGT 47
9. CAN 26 Baabii’O FLOWER 51
10. DEN 3 Jørgen SVENDSEN 59
Special trophies:
Woman’s Trophy: Sofie Boel, DEN
Youth Trophy: Harvey Leigh, GBR
Veteran: Wannes van Laer, BEL
Master: Jørgen Svendsen, DEN
Grand Master: Michael Nissen, GER
Paul Elvström Trophy: Wannes van Laer, BEL
Clive Robert Memorial: Johan Schubert, DEN
For full results, visit: here.
Day 5 highlights can be viewed here.
For more information on the championships, including the schedule and updates, visit the event website.
Report by Robert Deaves
#OK-Dinghy #WorldChampionships
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