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OKDIAMember SurveyFrom May to June 2023, OKDIA initiatedtwo surveys. One was to NationalSecretaries and one was to all sailors.The results were illuminating.The members survey generated 325 replies from 19countries, which is about a 40 per cent response rate.Most replies, as would be expected, came from Britain,Germany, Sweden, Australia and Denmark.The key takeaways from the members survey were:• OKDIA is good at promoting and developing the class• There are potential improvements in the media coverage• Keeping equipment cost to a reasonable level is essential• Finding venues and organisers that can offer goodcompetitive racing at a reasonable cost• Attracting more new sailors from diverse backgrounds isimportant• The class rules are good, and offer few possibleimprovementsThe survey included a lot of questions to build ageneral picture of the fleet. The key concerns are costmanagement and good venues, though in general therewere not too many complaints with a 95 per cent approvalrating for OKDIA.Even though the classes media coverage is among thebest of any class in the world, there was a lot of commenton improving media coverage.Suggested improvement areas also included:• Expand class presence: Spread the class to new biggersailing nations like Italy, Spain. Agree an approach for US.• Enhance equipment accessibility: Stricter one designrules to facilitate buying second-hand equipment, limitboat and equipment costs, and provide charter boats forinternational events• Improve racing format: Consider sprint racing andshorter races, make races longer, and have fewerinternational events with more focus• Promote participation: Attract people to the class andevents, promote grassroots club fleets, and support clubleveltraining• Support national associations: Funded junior programs,help evolve the class in “new” regions, and assist nationalclasses in organizing Grade 1 events• Modernise and promote sustainability: Modernize thetechnical manual on the website, consider new materialsand controls, and promote equipment sustainability• Enhance event experience: Provide free camping, lowcostvenues, and transport deals, and prioritize costeffectiveevents.THE CLASS SECRETARIES survey generated a 72 per centresponse rate. The key feedback was:• National Class Associations (Countries) offer ampleopportunities to race nationally• OKDIA is generally doing a good job and providing goodservices• The Class Rules are viewed as complete• The magazine and media coverage supports class growth• There are a number of potential improvements that couldmake the OK class even strongerThe survey also looked at promotion opportunities andways to develop the class.THERE ARE PRESENTATIONS of both surveys on okdia.organd members are encouraged to read them. They will bothbe extensively used by the Committee over the coming yearto develop its policies and practices to further build the classand make it even more attractive.The final word is to thank Pontus Gäbel, Vice President -Marketing, for his expert work in compiling the surveys andproducing the two excellent presentations.JANUARY 2024 • WWW.OKDIA.ORG 17
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