OK Dinghy Magazine January 2024

OKDIA
Member Survey
From May to June 2023, OKDIA initiated
two surveys. One was to National
Secretaries and one was to all sailors.
The results were illuminating.
The members survey generated 325 replies from 19
countries, 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 good
competitive racing at a reasonable cost
• Attracting more new sailors from diverse backgrounds is
important
• The class rules are good, and offer few possible
improvements
The survey included a lot of questions to build a
general picture of the fleet. The key concerns are cost
management and good venues, though in general there
were not too many complaints with a 95 per cent approval
rating for OKDIA.
Even though the classes media coverage is among the
best of any class in the world, there was a lot of comment
on improving media coverage.
Suggested improvement areas also included:
• Expand class presence: Spread the class to new bigger
sailing nations like Italy, Spain. Agree an approach for US.
• Enhance equipment accessibility: Stricter one design
rules to facilitate buying second-hand equipment, limit
boat and equipment costs, and provide charter boats for
international events
• Improve racing format: Consider sprint racing and
shorter races, make races longer, and have fewer
international events with more focus
• Promote participation: Attract people to the class and
events, promote grassroots club fleets, and support clublevel
training
• Support national associations: Funded junior programs,
help evolve the class in “new” regions, and assist national
classes in organizing Grade 1 events
• Modernise and promote sustainability: Modernize the
technical manual on the website, consider new materials
and controls, and promote equipment sustainability
• Enhance event experience: Provide free camping, lowcost
venues, and transport deals, and prioritize costeffective
events.
THE CLASS SECRETARIES survey generated a 72 per cent
response rate. The key feedback was:
• National Class Associations (Countries) offer ample
opportunities to race nationally
• OKDIA is generally doing a good job and providing good
services
• The Class Rules are viewed as complete
• The magazine and media coverage supports class growth
• There are a number of potential improvements that could
make the OK class even stronger
The survey also looked at promotion opportunities and
ways to develop the class.
THERE ARE PRESENTATIONS of both surveys on okdia.org
and members are encouraged to read them. They will both
be extensively used by the Committee over the coming year
to develop its policies and practices to further build the class
and make it even more attractive.
The final word is to thank Pontus Gäbel, Vice President -
Marketing, for his expert work in compiling the surveys and
producing the two excellent presentations.
JANUARY 2024 • WWW.OKDIA.ORG 17