Better late than never, below is a short report of the D-Zero open meeting held at Scammonden Water SC on the 15th July:

Starting in a Force 2 SW breeze six D Zeros took part in the Scammonden Open race meeting comprising of 4 home club racers and two visitors, Mick Green of Rossendale SC and Geoffrey Norman of Notts County SC.

In the first race (four laps), two boats had problems at the start and were delayed in getting off the line.  Ben Ratcliffe gradually opened up a lead over the chasing boats with the real battle at this stage being between Jeremy Child and Jamie Holdaway in second and third places respectively.  In the third lap Jamie pulled away to challenge Ben for the lead. Over the course of lap 4 in a strengthening wind the two leaders swapped places culminating in a beating race for the finish line which was won by a boat length by Jamie.  The rest followed in order Ben, Jeremy, Mick, Geoffrey and Neville Senior of the home club.

Race two (three laps) saw all of the boats getting away well with Jamie taking a flier on port tack through the fleet and holding his lead to the windward mark, followed by Jeremy and Ben.  By the leeward mark Ben had passed Jeremy and was challenging Jamie until the gybe mark in lap two, where Jamie held his position and gradually pulled away lengthening his lead ahead of the fleet.  In a falling wind in lap three Ben retired as the fleet slowed down with Jamie taking the finish followed by Jeremy and then Geoffrey.

Race three (three laps) was sailed back to back after race two.  At the start Jeremy was OCS and recalled for a restart. Jamie again took an early lead in a much closer race during which the wind increased substantially for a while creating very enjoyable sailing for the fleet.  Jamie crossed the finish line first for three wins on the day, followed by Jeremy and then Mick.

Overall positions were 1st Jamie Holdaway, 2nd Jeremy Child, 3rd Geoffrey Norman, followed by Mick, Ben and Neville.