OK Dinghy
OK Dinghy Racing at Drummoyne
The OK Dinghy is a 4.0 metre single handed dinghy. The OKs race at the Club on most Sundays throughout the summer season from September to April, with the exception of scheduled interclub events, usually in conjunction with the Club’s Junior Division. Club races normally start at around 1.30pm, using the same course as Cherubs and Lasers.
The Club welcomes visiting OK sailors. However, if one is considering sailing at the Club on a regular basis then they should take note of the Club’s requirements to do so.
Enquiries: okdinghy@dsc.org.au
Background to OK Racing at Drummoyne
The OK Dinghy class was introduced to Drummoyne in 1986 through the efforts of Peter Horne, with a great deal of support from the likes of Len Nordstrom, Mick McQueen, Bob Stuart, Bev James and Bill Daley – all former skiff sailors looking for a challenging boat to complement their sailing talent without the expense, commitment and the hassle of chasing up regular crew. (It is interesting to note that during this period the 16-foot skiff class, the foundation class of Drummoyne S.C., adopted a new class rule to allow a minimum of 3 crew instead of the previous 4, which then placed additional emphasis on the need for more agile and skilled crew to race a 16 effectively and consequently left many class stalwarts to consider the alternatives).
The OK soon found a niche within the Drummoyne sailing scene, and over the years the class has enjoyed great success at the Club. In return the OK Dinghy has introduced to the Club and its sailing members a new standard of racing, boat handling disciplines and expertise that comes with competing in an international class, along with some fun in the process.
The Club has conducted several NSW State championships and three National championships (1991, 1994 and 2017) for OK Dinghies. While class numbers at the Club have fluctuated over the years (not un-common for many classes), the OK Dinghy is still an important part of the sailing activities at the Club.
Summary of OKs at Drummoyne, 1986-2012
A history of OK Sailing at Drummoyne was compiled during the lead-up to the club’s 100th Anniversary in 2013. This history covers many developments that took place in regard to the sailing activities at the club during that time and can be downloaded using this link.
Any comments and/or contributions would be welcome by Bob Chapman via email using this link. Hopefully an additional instalment will be forthcoming to cover the years since 2012.