Tuning and Trim

Unlike a Laser, an OK allows you to set the boat up the way you like it, and to choose a mast and sail to suit yourself.

Conversely, unlike most other tuneable boats, an OK dinghy is almost all about the way you sail it.  Once your mast and sail match, the other areas of set up are nicely summarized on the OKDIA page.

1. Get the foot of the mast in the right place.
2. Get the rake set up right
3. Make sure everything works.

Doing that isn’t even complicated. However, you are more likely to be convinced by experts and not by us. A good call.

Here are some links and uploads of tuning and trim guides for OK Dinghies.

 Nick Craig Tuning Guide

Quantum Sails trim guide 2012

North Sails OK Tuning Guide (same as the Nick Craig one)

There’s also a tuning and trim section in the OKDIA’s technical guide, Volume 2, here, but be aware that some of this advice is aimed at aluminium masts so if you’re worried about the finer points of positioning a carbon mast that page might distract you.

The book “Completely OK” contains several articles on speed and tuning by championship winning sailors. There’s also an OK Training DVD, available via the British OK Association.

Finally, for the moment anyway, one important message remains.  All the major design advances in OK Dinghy hull shapes have happened already.  There are several different proven hull shapes, each with their devotees. This article, from the OKDIA, illustrates that they’re all fast and they’re all very close to each other.  The results of recent worlds do too.

The overall message with OKs is simple. Just rig it and sail it. Lots. That’s how to go fast.

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