First Ever Asia-Pacific Champs Kick Off

The first ever, OK Dinghy Asia-Pacific Championship is currently being staged as part of the 2003 Corona King of Wind Regatta in Penghu, Taiwan.

Sailors from six nations are competing for the title with sailors from New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Belgium, Spain and Taiwan and including current European Champion Bart Bomans (BEL).

Racing started today with two races sailed in light winds in the waters off Makong City. As expected Bart BOMANS dominated the racing, winning both races with ease. The first race saw Russell PAGE-WOOD (NZL) and Alex SCOLES (GBR) chasing Bomans down the first offwind leg. Robert DEAVES (GBR) overtook Russell to hold third place until the finish.

The second race of the day was slightly longer and saw Bart round the first mark just ahead of Robert and Alex. Bart and Robert moved away on the offwind leg, but a good tactical decision by Russell on the second beat saw him round the windward mark right on Robert’s transom. However the positons remained unchanged until the finish. John Ball (GBR) also got past Alex to finish fourth.

Positions at end of day 1

1 Bart Bomans (BEL) 2 points
2 Robert Deaves (GBR) 5 points
3 Alex SColes (GBR) 7 points
4 Russell Page-Wood (NZL) 7 points

Full results and photos are available on the event website at the address below.