Tag: D-Zero Winter Series Page 1 of 8

Start of 2022 update

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On February 9, 2022

In Events, News

A very warm welcome to 2022 from the D-Zero Class Association. We know things have been very busy overt the festive period both on and off the water! Our friends over at Dzero.co.uk have been busy prepping and delivering the latest batch of boats as well as sending out lots of spares orders.

A number of boats have also changed hands so a warm welcome to those newcomers to the class.

2022 Nationals Update

The Class Committee have been working closely with the host venue, Brixham Yacht Club, to finalise the details so we can get the entry open as soon as we can. In the mean time do put the dates in your calendar, 24th-26th June 2022 and get your accommodation booked in. I know a number of people are already ahead of the game here, myself included!

Sponsorship update

The class committee are working hard to secure sponsors for a major events in 2022. Unfortunately many of the traditional lines of sponsorship are not forthcoming this year. We do have a few irons in the fire though so do watch this space! On a related note if you have any ideas of companies we could approach do get in touch by clicking here.

We have managed to secure a sponsor for the new National Travellers series in the form of Dzero.co.uk. More on that series as it develops. I am told there will be a fancy scoring system that rewards people who travel, especially outside of their normal areas. You can see the current Open and Supported events list by clicking here.

We are also delighted to announce that Noble Marine have renewed their class sponsorship for 2022 so do consider them when it is renewal time on your current policy.

David at Dzero.co.uk has also extended his Class Association members discount on spares. The new discount code will be emailed out to all current Class Association members shortly. If you need it before then get in touch with our membership secretary by clicking here.

Winter Series Update

The D-Zero Winter series is running at the moment. Unfortunately a couple of events have fallen foul of Covid. I am just awaiting a results update and we will then publish the current standings along with the updated criteria.

RYA DInghy and Watersports Show

The end of this month will see the RYA Dinghy Show in a new venue and with a new name. Moving to Farnborough Exhibition Centre and being renamed to the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show gives a new twist on the annual showcase exhibition event for our sport.

Dzero.co.uk will be there with the D-Zero taking pride of place on the stand and representing the class. I am planning to attend the show on the Saturday and various D-Zero committee members will be at the event over the weekend. So if you are planning to go do drop by and say hello at stand E20.

Merry Christmas 2021

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On December 24, 2021

In class association, News

It is that time of year again, the D-Zero Class would like to wish all D-Zero owners and the wider sailing community a very Merry Christmas and (hopefully) a very Happy New Year.

I think we can all agree that 2021 has been a very strange year. We all started off in another lockdown but there was optimism for the sailing season with the vaccine rollout.

Unfortunately the Winter Series events didn’t take place with the exception of the Draycote Dash where our poster boy Tom Southwell took the honours and with it the W that goes with being the Winter Series Champion.

Poster Boy and current Winter Series Champion Tom Southwell

As we moved towards the start of the traditional sailing season it was clear that events early in the year were unlikely to take place with many events either being postponed or called off. Our own Nationals, scheduled for June, were no exception and the Class along with Largs sailing club took the early decision to push the event back to August to give it the best possible chance.

We had a very successful event with the class joining the 50 boat club for the first time and our designer, rapid sailing and all around good guy Dan Holman obliged us with his presence and duly took the title. He didn’t have it all his own way though especially on the first day where he was pushed hard by the likes of Nick Craig, Arran Holman and Gavin Fleming.

Yours truly giving it some at the 2021 Nationals at Largs

Our thanks go to Largs and our event sponsors RSK and Tunnocks for sticking with us despite the delay.

Unfortunately the Nationals being later in the season had a knock on effect for the Inlands which were only a couple of weeks later at Burton SC. Tom Southwell became Inland Champion just pipping 2020 Inland Champion Gavin.

From there the final major event was the Northern Championships at a D-Zero class favourite Yorkshire Dales. A newcomer to the fleet, Will Hitchman, overcame his day 1 race 1 woes where his sail was ripped during a capsize to take the title.

Will Hitchman trying to sail on at the Northern Champs

At the time of writing we have had 2 events on the 2021/2022 Winter series with the 3rd event due to take place at Burghfield. The Brass Monkey and Grafham Grand Prix have been postoned.

Looking forward to 2022 we are just putting the finishing touches to the calendar and will have it published very soon. We have a couple of new venues on the calendar at clubs where D-Zero fleets are starting to form so please do support them if you can.

Finally from me, I am stepping down as Class Chair at the 2022 AGM so this is my last official Christmas message. It has been a pleasure to represent you as D-Zero owners with Devoti as well as organise events and help the class grow. We do need a new Class Chair so if you think you can help do get in touch. I will happily advise and guide from behind the scenes.

Merry Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year, I look forward to see you on or off the water in 2022.

D-Zero Winter Series 2021/2022

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On October 30, 2021

In Events, News, Open Meetings

By popular request the D-Zero Winter Series makes a popular return. The events will follow the Selden Sailjuice WInter series with the addition of the Steve Nicholson Trophy at Northampton SC:

20 & 21 November 2021 – Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash, Draycote Water SC

11 & 12 December 2021 – Datchet Flyer, Datchet Water Sailing Club

27 December 2021 – Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey, Yorkshire Dales SC

27 December 2021 – Burghfield Breezer, Burghfield Sailing Club

2 January 2022 – Grafham Grand Prix, Grafham Water Sailing Club

8 January 2022 – Bloody Mary (TBC), Queen Mary Sailing Club

22 January 2022 – King George Gallop, King George Sailing Club

30 January 2022 – Steve Nicholson Trophy, Northampton Sailing Club (online entry here)

5 & 6 February 2022 – John Merricks Tiger Trophy, Rutland Sailing Club

19 February 2022 – Oxford Blue, Oxford Sailing Club

Entry for the Selden Sailjuice events can be done online by clicking here. Make sure you enter early, most of the events are full well in advance of the day.

There are 10 events this year and just 4 results are needed to count. So why hang your wetboots up this winter when there is plenty of good sailing to be had plus the chance to steal the coveted ‘W’ from our perennial poster boy Tom Southwell.

D-Zero Winter Series 2020/2021

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On October 1, 2020

In Events, News, Open Meetings

Current D-Zero Winter Series Champion Nigel Austin

Following on from the announcement that the Selden Sailjuice Winter Series will be running the D-Zero class are pleased to announce that we will be running our Winter Series in parallel for the chance to have the prestigious W on your sail.

As you are no doubt aware the current Covid-19 situation means that this year you will need to pre-register should you wish to take part. The pre-entry link can be found by clicking here. Available numbers of spaces are expected to be reduced to make sure you get your pre-entry in sooner rather than later so you do not miss out!

The current events are as follows, please note some of them are down as TBC due to the rapidly changing situation and clubs being ready to accommodate travellers:

21 & 22 November 2020 – Fernhurst Books Draycote Dash (TBC),  Draycote Water Sailing Club
5 & 6 December 2020 – Datchet Flyer, Datchet Water Sailing Club
27 December 2020 – Burghfield Brass Monkey, Burghfield Sailing Club
3 January 2021 – Grafham Grand Prix (TBC), Grafham Water Sailing Club
9 January 2021 – Bloody Mary (TBC), Queen Mary Sailing Club
23 January 2021 – King George Gallop, King George Sailing Club
6 & 7 February 2021 – John Merricks Tiger Trophy (TBC), Rutland Sailing Club 
13 February 2021 – Oxford Blue, Oxford Sailing Club 

D-Zero Winter Series 2019/2020 – Oxford Blue cancelled

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On February 12, 2020

In Events, News, Open Meetings

The final event of the D-Zero and Selden Sailjuice Winter series has been cancelled due to Storm Dennis.

Sailrace will be contacting all competitors with regards to refunds.

What this means is that the D-Zero Winter Series has a new champion in the form of the one and only Nigel Austin.

As a result of the cancellation he deposes incumbent champion and class poster boy Tom Southwell who can only manage 3rd in the series with Andrew Spencer from Burton taking 2nd place.

The improving Kevin Moll from Hunts takes 4th.

Full series standings can be found by clicking here.

D-Zero Winter Series 2019/2020 Round 8 – the Tiger Trophy

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On February 7, 2020

In Events, News, Open Meetings

The first weekend in February traditionally means it is time for the UK sailing circus to descend on Rutland Water for the John Merricks Tiger Trophy. In recent years it has almost meant winds on the nuclear scale and 2020 was to be no exception.

With winds gusting to 35kts you could have been forgiven for staying at home with your boat safely tied down. This was the case for one of the hardy D-Zeros who was also ill. The other 2 turned up and rigged but then decided, along with a large contingent or of sailors, to stay on shore and enjoy the show.

Sunday dawned, with the wind having moderated a good fleet took to the water to contest the pursuit race. Having not contested Saturday the overall positions were of little importance, what matter to Nigel and Andrew was who beat who for their Winter Series placings.

Nigel got the better or Andrew by 1 place in the pursuit which handed him a 1st in class for the winter series. this means Nigel remains ahead of Andrew overall with 1 round to go.

Full D-Zero winter series standings can be found by clicking here.

D-Zero Winter Series 2019-2020 Rounds 6 and 7

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On January 29, 2020

In Events, News, Open Meetings

Due to a senior moment by the learned Class Chair there were 2 rounds of the Winter series on the 25th and 26th Janaury 2030, the Steve Nicholson Trophy on the 25th and the King George Gallop on the 26th.

This meant entry to the Steve Nicholson Trophy was down on previous years. 2 D-Zeros made the Journey to Pitsford with Gavin Fleming from Hunts attending his second event and Nigel Austin from Cransley looking to capitalise on the absence of current series leader Andrew Spencer and close the gap.

On the day it seems that Nigel was on fire taking class honours from Gavin to record his first class win of the series.

Moving on to the following day at the King George Gallop and Nigel was joined by Kevin Moll from Hunts who has been making great strides in his D-Zero recently and is now mixing it with the fleet at home.

Unfortunately for them both Nigels arch nemesis and D-Zero poster boy Tom Southwell decided he fancied and play and duly lead Nigel home in all 3 races to take class honours with Kevin rounding out the top 3. Kevin did later admit he was somewhat hampered by poor rigging and really must remember to rig his kicker correctly next time…..

So overall in the D-Zero Winter Series this means Nigel sneaks ahead of Andrew in the overall standings but Tom is looking menacing in 3rd counting 3 first places but also carrying a DNC. With 2 events left Tom can still take the crown if he can drag himself to Rutland for the Tiger Trophy or Oxford for the Oxford Blue.

Full D-Zero Winter Series standings can be found by clicking here.

In the Selden Sailjuice Winter Series the D-Zero is currently holding 4th place in the Sailing Chandlery Top Class rankings ahead of many other, much larger classes.

In the individual rankings Andrew Spencer in 16th still holds sway over Nigel Austin in 18th with Tom Southwell down in 46th but only having attended 3 events so far.

D-Zero Winter Series 2019/2020 Round 5 – The Bloody Mary

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On January 14, 2020

In Events, News, Open Meetings

The 2020 Bloody Mary will go down as yet another very windy event. This did not deter the 6 D-Zero sailors who had signed up for the event. D-Zero poster boy Tom Southwell came out of hibernation again and was joined by perennial traveller Nigel Austin, local sailor Seb Prowse, class newcomer Gareth Griffiths, from the rapidly growing fleet at Shoreham, along with Emily Britton and Joe Constable.

Conditions on the day went from windy to nuclear (weapons grade could also be used). However Nigel didn’t seem to think so, here he is pointing out a small section that didnt have any white horses on it….

Out on the water Tom used his poster boy and sailing skills to lead the D-Zeros home placing 115th overall. Nigel led home Gareth Griffiths (who I am told magically transformed into Nick Craig mid-race) with the rest of the D-Zeros either retiring or taking the sensible option and staying ashore to watch the fun.

So in the winter series Andrew stays top of the pile despite not travelling to Queen Mary. Nigel closes the gap and Tom demotes Arran down to 4th. There are still plenty of races to go and with just 4 events required to not carry any DNCs there is still time to snatch the crown from Andrew. Will Tom defend his crown and save himself the chore of removing the W from his sail? Can Nigel find some form and get ahead of Andrew? Who knows…

The next round is the Steve Nicholson Trophy and currently only 1 D-Zero is entered.. Hopefully a few more will travel, you can enter online by clicking here.

D-Zero Christmas and New Year roundup

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On January 6, 2020

In Events, News, Open Meetings

So Christmas 2019 has come and gone, we hope that you all got some nice D-Zero goodies in your Christmas stockings this year.

The Christmas and new year period were busy in terms of the current winter series with rounds 3 and 4 taking place. A short report from each is below…

Winter Series Round 3 – The Brass Monkey

With 3 hardy D-Zero sailors heading north, including current series leader Andrew Spencer, it was a chance for him to extend his series lead. unfortunately for Andrew and young upstart by the name of Arran Holman was keen to come out and play. Following some frantic messaging for David Valentine of Dzero.co.uk asking for a boat as he was out of the country a loan boat was secured. Many thanks to D-Zero Membership Secretary Jon Cowper for the loan of his boat.

As seems to be traditional Arran headed north and delivered the good by coming 3rd in the only race that took place. This seems to be a bit of a D-Zero tradition with sailing legend Nick Craig having borrowed a boat the previous years and placed it second on his first competitive outing. Nick went on to join the class, will Arran follow suit?

Arran wasn’t the only D-Zero sailor to go well, Mick Green coming out of Winter hibernation for the day rounded out the top 10 with Andrew not too far behind in 14th.

Winter Series Round 4 – The Grafham Grand Prix

A couple of days after the Brass Monkey the D-Zero were out in force at Grafham being the second biggest class with 12 entries it was going to be a competitive day on the water.

Unfortunately for us mere mortals Arran had held on to Jons boat for the event and showed us all a clean pair of heels in all 3 races. He did so well that he won the medium fleet, definitely a good effort given the D-Zero is one of the slowest boats in the medium fleet! After only managing a 17th in the first race he followed that up with a 3 – 1 to take the spoils.

Behind Arran the racing was much closer with those who were able to manage the traffic best getting the best results. Neil Washington from Grafham managed this the best and placed 35th overall with Andrew Spencer taking 3rd on the class podium and 40th overall.

In the winter series this means Andrew has a commanding lead over Nigel Austin with Arran currently in 3rd but unlikely to sail any more events. Looking at the entries going forward it is by no means all cut and dried, anyone who has done 1 race can still challenge Andrew to the Winter Series title.

Full series standings can be found by clicking here.

The Scots are taking over….

Looking ahead to 2020 the D-Zero Scottish fleet are definitely on a mission. With 2 new sponsors on board already for the Largs Nationals in June and promises of a good level f entries already it could that that going north will be ‘en vogue’ this year….

The more eagle eyed of you may have noticed they have even taken over the class website with a tartan twist….

Merry D-Zero Christmas

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On December 23, 2019

In News

The D-Zero Class Association Committee would like to wish all D-Zero owners and sailors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As we sail into a new decade the D-Zero is breaking new ground for the class and travelling north of the border to Largs SC for the 2020 National Championships from the 26th – 28th June. More to come on that early in the new year including sponsorship announcements. Those who are on Facebook will already have seen a sneak peak with 2 new sponsors to the class.

Before then there is the small matter of the D-Zero Winter Series. With 2 events between Christmas and New Year taking place. The Brass Monkey at Yorkshire Dales is already full and no more entries are being taken but there is still time to enter the Grafham Grand Prix on the 29th December. Simply check out the Events page for more details.

In the meantime we hope Santa fills your top covers with D-Zero goodies and hope to see many of you on the water in the near future.

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