Sailing: Kiwis shine at OK dinghy world championships

Greg Wilcox. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

New Zealand sailors Greg Wilcox and Alistair Deaves picked up a one-two finish on the second day of racing at the OK dinghy world championships in Largs, Scotland, overnight (NZT).

Although German Dirk Gericke took an early lead in race three, Wilcox rounded the windward mark in first place with Deaves in hot pursuit.

There were few place changes in the light winds but Wilcox and Deaves managed to extend their lead and hold it to the line.

Afterwards, Wilcox said he and Deaves had worked together to ensure the New Zealand quinella, starting in clean air and using boat speed to clear the fleet.

"It was a tricky, shifty day - good for the lake sailors. There are only three of us with all three results in the top 10, so it was a pleasing result for me today," Wilcox said.

"Alistair and I didn't fight one another, instead we concentrated on increasing our lead on the rest of the fleet."

Wilcox's win today backed up a third place in the opening race and a win in race two. He leads the overall standings after three races from Sweden's

Thomas Hansson-Mild with Gunther Arndt (Germany third.

Deaves finished 12th first up, then improved to take eighth yesterday. He is currently eighth overall.

- NZPA