Issue date
New Zealand dinghy fleets fluctuate in numbers from season to season – some rapidly climbing into the hundreds, and others decline.
Among the classes that are riding the wave of success in strong fleet numbers in recent years are the OK Dinghy, the Zephyr, and the Paper Tiger – three unique classes with distinct features.
But they all have one thing in common.
They all promote themselves as an accessible “class for everyone” – no need for Olympic qualifications, money-laden sponsors, or professional yachting backgrounds – just a love for sailing, and being around others that love sailing too.
The Zephyr class saw 57 contestants in Naval Point Club in Lyttleton earlier this year, which class spokesperson Rob Ebert attributes in part to “good administration.”
2014 Zephyr National Championship action
He says although the Zephyr naturally attracts a certain group of sailors with their beach appeal, classic lines, and recreational focus – the key is really in having a strong governing body running the class.
“The class has had consistent standards of administration over the years and hence has seen steady growth,” he says.
Keeping the class website going, having a regular newsletter, maintaining the rules through open communication methods are vital to keeping fleet numbers strong.
He says there’s definitely a renovation appeal, and “most of the guys enjoy repairing and refurbishing,” but it’s a boat that anyone can sail.
“It’s not particularly weight sensitive, so light sailors can do well too,” he says.
Although the class has a strong social side, Rob says they are always scanning the horizon for ways of modernizing the classic design.
“It’s about striking the balance between retaining tradition aspects and modernizing aspects of the class,” he says.
OK Dinghy sailor Ben Morrison agrees that maintaining the criteria around class rules is important.
For a boat that was created over 65 years ago, the OK dinghy has maintained strong roots in the classic design, with just enough tolerance in the rules to allow for each sailor to tweak and tune to their liking.
He says this is a great way of keeping the fleet competitive and preventing the costs from sky-rocketing – another attractive feature of the class which saw 31 boats compete at Oceanbridge Sail Auckland this year.
The OK Dinghy Podium at 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland
“One of the few changes is that carbon masts are now legal, within tightly controlled parameters, resulting in affordable, lightweight rigs. They are beautifully balanced boats which are a joy to sail,” he says.
Although the fleet has attracted some famous names in sailing, Ben says the real beauty is in the amateur, non-Olympic form of racing.
“There is no prize money to be won, and (usually) no big sponsors or team coaches to report to. Just the pure joy of hard racing and (for some) the glory of winning national, regional, and world titles,” he says.
There is also a big social side to OK dinghies, which makes the idea of travelling to different events appealing.
“We race hard, but play hard too. There is intense class loyalty and a strong sense that if you have once owned and raced an OK, you are an OK sailor forever and will be welcomed and looked after by OK sailors the world over,” he says.
This is the general feeling from Paper Tiger sailor Ryan Leatham, better known as ‘Rowdy’ – who says a good core group of mates is generally at the heart of any regatta.
Paper Tiger action
“The social side is the best part to our class. Regattas are always heaps of fun, they include everyone – we travel around, cook together, hang out together – and we’re a pretty friendly bunch,” he says.
As with the OK’s and the Zephyrs, he says there people are attracted to the class because of the opportunity it presents to ‘do-it-yourself’ at an amateur level.
“You can pick up a pretty decent boat for not a huge amount of money, but there are also people that will build and re-do them themselves,” he says.
The Paper Tiger fleet had 42 entrants at this year’s national event.
The OK Dinghy National Championship will be held at Worser Bay from April 18.
