Event Draws to a Close

The first ever OK Dinghy Asia-Pacific Championship ended today in Penghy, Taiwan after the final two days were lost due to extremely strong winds. With only six of the scheduled 10 races sailed, the results from Friday stand.

Current European Champion Bart BOMANS(BEL) showed excellent speed in all conditions to win all six races. Although pushed hard at times by Russell PAGE-WOOD(NZL), Bomans generally had an easy time and was winning some races but large margins.

Third placed Robert DEAVES(GBR) twice beat Page-Wood in the lighter early races, but suffered in the windier races that allowed Page-Wood to gain a advantage on the upwind legs.

The event was staged as part of the 2003 Corona King of Wind regatta, along with the Taiwan leg of the 49er World Cup. Generous sponsorship from Corona, Land Rover, MTV and the Taiwan Tourist Buereau has allowed discounted travel arrangments, free beer and USD 5,000 prize money for the competitors.

Final results

1 Bart Bomans BEL 5 points
2 Russell Page-Wood NZL 11 Points
3 Robert Deaves GBR 14 points
4 John Ball GBR 23 points
5 Pan Wei Hua HIN 27 points
6 Alex Scoles GBR 31 points