PARKSTONE Yacht Club is to host the OK World Championships this year for a week starting Saturday, July 24.

As well as competitiors from throughout Europe, the club is also expecting entrants from Australia, New Zealand, India, Korea and Thailand.

With a maximum of 80 boats allowed to compete, there will be intense competition for qualification for the few places allocated to each country.

The championships were last held in Britain in 1995 at Felixstowe Ferry and the Parkstone club are delighted that they have been chosen to host them this year.

The International OK is a four-metre dinghy with an unstayed mast and a single sail. It was designed more than 40 years ago as the feeder boat to the Olympic Finn Class.

The boat has kept abreast of change and can be built of fibreglass or wood. The mast is carbon fibre and the sail can be made to a pattern by a sailmaker of the owner's choice.

Despite these variations every boat is equal and it is up to the helm to make his boat go faster than his, or her, competitor's.

The OK remains a popular boat being sailed, predominantly by men (ideal weight 80-95kg), throughout the world.

As a result, two container-loads of these small single-handers will be arriving from Australia and New Zealand in July and the helms are already booking accommodation.

A typical world championship comprises 10 races over six days.

This year the racing will be held in Poole Bay with a daily start time of 11am. Each race will be of about 100 minutes in duration and there will be up to three races each day.

In strong winds an OK can become quite a handful as it planes down the waves, with the occasional capsize for the unwary.

Once ashore the sailors will hose down their dinghies, check for damage, shower and then relax and chat.

The OK fleet has a reputation for great friendliness, regardless of country of origin.

In order to make this World Championship memorable, Parkstone Yacht Club is looking for sponsorship from local companies.

Although each competitor pays an entry fee, which generally only covers the costs of the racing, the club wants to provide a few extras such as souvenirs of Poole and discounted entry to local attractions etc.

Should anyone wish to contribute to the success of the event they should contact the club on 01202 743610.

PYC has generated its own website to stimulate interest in the event, the site can be found on: www.okworldchampionships2004.co.uk.