The NZ OK fleet descended on Stump Bay, Lake Taupo on 21-22 March for the 2026 Turangi International, timed to coincide with Turangi Yacht Club's 60th anniversary celebrations. It was a fitting turnout for the milestone, with 32 OKs entered - one of the tour's biggest fleets of the season - and the regatta doubling as a selection qualifier, with 10 New Zealand spots on the line for next year's World Championship in Thailand.

True to Turangi's reputation, the racing across the weekend produced some tight, tricky sailing. Luke Gower picked up his first-ever race win, taking out race 5, while Simon Probert led the final race of the regatta from start to finish - no small feat given the notoriously shifty Turangi downwinds. Congratulations to both.

Overall, Dave Ridley sailed a superb series to take out the Turangi International and, with it, the Ralph Roberts Trophy as the NZ OK Dinghy Tour champion for 2025/26 - the Golden Trout going with it. Steve McDowell was second and picked up the Silver Trout, with Luke Gower rounding out the podium in third for the Bronze Trout.

Thanks as always to Turangi YC stalwart Wally van der Aa, who has organised this much-loved regatta for many years running - long may it continue. Photo credits to Ben, Ian and Stevo.

Turangi International 2026 – OK Dinghy Results (Overall, after 7 races, 1 discard)

Full race-by-race scores are available via OKDIA's results page.