With 41 boats on the water, this was one of the deepest Australian OK Dinghy fleets assembled in many years. Past World Champions Roger Blasse, Greg Wilcox (Turtle Sails) and Pamela Johnston lined up alongside current World No.1 Andy Davis (HD Sails), joined by a strong international contingent from New Zealand, Germany and the UK. Add a long list of state and national champions, and the 2026 championship promised intensity from the outset.

 

That promise carried through to the welcome function on Saturday night, where Australian Sailing President Shevaun Bruland officially opened proceedings at Fremantle Sailing Club. The evening was less about formality and more about reconnection — old rivals, long‑time friends and new faces from overseas gathering ahead of a week that would test everyone, on and off the water.

 

Monday wasted no time setting the tone. Sunshine, warm temperatures and a solid 18–20 knots of south‑westerly breeze greeted the fleet as the Freo Doctor arrived right on schedule. The first reach of the regatta was fast and unforgettable — a full‑throttle welcome to one of dinghy sailing’s bucket‑list venues. Two races were completed, and while the results began to take shape, it was already clear this championship would be defined by consistency and resilience.

 

Tuesday dialled things back slightly, with a lighter 10–12 knots and a lumpier sea state demanding finesse rather than aggression. Behind the scenes, WA’s Brendon Green stepped down from competition and into the role of Race Officer, keeping the regatta running smoothly. That evening, the mood ashore was relaxed as sailors gathered for Volunteer Appreciation Night, enjoying Nail Brewing beers while acknowledging the army of helpers who kept the event afloat.

 

Wednesday brought a very different challenge. With temperatures soaring to 42 degrees, the OK fleet took a well‑earned lay day while other classes pressed on. Some escaped to Rottnest Island or local breweries, others retreated to air‑conditioned accommodation, conserving energy for what the forecast suggested would be a demanding finale.

 

Thursday delivered exactly that. Strong breeze, big waves and an unforgiving race track pushed sailors and equipment to their limits. One race was completed in wild but exhilarating conditions before the AP over A flag sent the fleet ashore. Asked to sum up the day, the responses came thick and fast: “Hard,” said Mark Jackson. “Exhausting,” added Grant Wakefield. “Lumpy,” offered Jim Dwyer. “Out of control,” laughed Mike Williams. Others were more reflective — “It’s why you buy ’em,” said Matthew Ramalay — while David Clark simply called it “Epic.” Even Roger Blasse, already showing ominous consistency, summed it up neatly: “Fun.”

 

Friday, fittingly dubbed “moving day,” arrived with tension high. With five races completed, discards were now in play, and around a quarter of the fleet carried at least one maximum score of 41 points. The final race could — and did — reshuffle the leaderboard. One tough, physical race was completed in near‑identical conditions to the day before before the AP flag was raised once more. Shortly after the last boat finished, the A flag followed, officially closing the championship.

 

What followed was pure Fremantle theatre: a full‑noise downwind sail home in some of the most challenging conditions the OK fleet has faced in years. Battered, bruised and grinning, sailors later agreed it was a fitting end — “Oh it’s unreal,” said Mark Phillips. “A laugh,” added David Ketteridge, perhaps with the benefit of hindsight.

 

At the top of the fleet, Roger Blasse delivered a masterclass. With a scoreline that never dropped below third place, he claimed his 13th Australian OK Dinghy Championship in commanding fashion. Behind him, Andy Davis, Brett Morris and Brent Williams fought relentlessly for the remaining podium positions, while David Clarke and Mike Williams were locked in a tight battle for fifth and sixth — a reflection of the depth and competitiveness throughout the fleet.

 

The championship concluded on Friday night with a lively presentation dinner attended by 70 competitors, friends and family, hosted by David Meehan and Brendon Green. Alongside the trophies, sponsors were front and centre: Harken as naming sponsor, Helly Hansen supplying regatta shirts, Nail Brewing keeping volunteers refreshed, and North Sails adding extra excitement when Rhys Llewellyn took home a brand‑new sail.

 

Under the steady guidance of Principal Race Officer John McKechnie AO, Regatta Coordinator Guy Skinner and Jury member Selvam Mookken, the 2026 Harken International OK Dinghy Australian Championships will be remembered as a true Fremantle classic — demanding, exhilarating, and exactly the kind of event that reminds sailors why they keep coming back.

 

RESULTS

1st - Roger Blasse

2nd - Brett Morris

3rd - Andy Davis

4th - Brent Williams

5th - Mike Williams

1st Female - Pamela Johnston

1st Handicap - Brent Williams

1st Junior - Patrick Scally

1st Grand Master - Mark “Freddy” Phillips