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Germany, Kieler Woche 2004

June 21th - 24th

by Nick Craig

The OK class at Kiel Week 2004 saw 40 sailors entered from eight countries. Four British sailors braved the European motorway network for the 10 hour drive to northern Germany, for some typically shifty Kiel weather. One of the favourites for the overall title was Nick Craig, but a broken mast in the first race and a lack of consistent wind and cancelled races towards the end of the regatta meant he had to count a DNC, but still ended up a creditable 6th overall after posting a 2, 2, 1, 6, 1 scoreline. Enjoying the flukey conditions to the full, Craig showed he had the speed to win and by sailing conservatively was always on the front line whichever direction the wind decided to turn to next.

The current European Champion Bart Bomans from Belgium showed good speed as well, combined with a knack for making the best of the shifts. His scoreline of 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 4, 4 meant he had won with a day to spare and bodes well for the World Championship at Parkstone in July. Consistency was going to pay handsomely, and the next four boats were within nine points of each other, while several of the early front runners piled up some large scores, some OCSs and dropped down the results sheet.

Other British sailors Robert Deaves and Will Turner traded positions, with Deaves's third place in race 4 enough to keep him ahead of Turner who had to count a 23rd after an earlier OCS. Jonathan Fish brought up the British rear in 23rd place after a frustrating time. Former world champion Karsten Hitz (GER) won the opening race but faded towards the end of the regatta in the lighter airs. The only other race winner was Greg Wilcox (NZL), winning the shifty race 6 in light airs after banging in a corner on the final beat.