The third qualification regatta for the 2004 OK Dinghy World Championship at Parkstone YC took place over the weekend of 28-29 June at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club. Five races were sailed in a variety of light to moderate conditions in a strong tidal set that had everyone fooled at least once.

The qualification series is being hotly contested and 30 boats showed up at Felixstowe to try and secure their place next year.

Race one was sailed in a light fickle wind and set the pattern for the weekend with Nick Craig winning after leading throughout. Terry Curtis, sporting a new Superspars carbonfibre mast was second with David Carroll in third. The second race saw an increased wind and again Craig and Curtis in the top two. However, this time Tony Thresher finished in third.

Sunday again brought light winds for the first race, which gradually freshened during the day to 15-16 knots and some excellent sailing conditions. The first race of the day was fairly sedate with Craig again winning, this time from Peter Wibroe and Curtis.

The last two races were sailed in a good breeze and a very strong tide with virtually everyone overstanding at the one mark of the course. Craig continued his domination winning both, although in the last race he had to work exceptionally hard to get past the quick Dan Ager on the first reach after totally misjudging the first beat and having to reach into the windward mark. Carroll scored a second and third, while David Rose scored a third and second to finish fifth overall. Robert Deaves sailed consistently well, never out of the top six, to finish fourth overall.

Overall Results

1 Nick Craig GBR 2110, Frensham Pond 4 points

2 Terry Curtis GBR 2101, Upper Thames 11

3 David Carroll GBR 2106, Deben Yacht Club 13

4 Robert Deaves GBR 2081, Dabchicks SC 19

5 David Rose GBR 2105, Orford SC 21

6 Tony Thresher GBR 1774, West Oxfordshire 22