D-Zero

Originally posted by Medway Maniac After reading shed-loads of car test reports over the years, and occasionally buying the wrong car by taking others' views too seriously (we're all looking for something different in a car or boat), I've concluded that a representative (long, calm) test is a must, but even then my opinion has sometimes changed after I've got the vehicle in question (everyday driving/sailing is not what you generally do on a test). But even though testing isn't 100%, it's still an absolute must for me, and if I was in the singlehander market I'd want to think I'd adequately got the feel of both the Aero and Zero before parting with the hard-earned.

Did think it was a very good test, but I do think your point about getting a long test in any boat you buy, if possible( especially if your spending thousands) is a very relevant.
I bought a new British moth 18 months ago with out sailing it. Great boat, carbon mast and all the toys. Never got to like it and sailed slowly because of it.
Have just done a boat swap for another older British moth and now have a boat I like again, am sailing faster and have money in the bank. But we sailed each other's boats for a whole series before we did the deal to make sure we were both happy.
I do understand this situation is unusual but it was a very relaxing way of boat buying.

Originally posted by Medway Maniac After reading shed-loads of car test reports over the years, and occasionally buying the wrong car by taking others' views too seriously (we're all looking for something different in a car or boat), I've concluded that a representative (long, calm) test is a must, but even then my opinion has sometimes changed after I've got the vehicle in question (everyday driving/sailing is not what you generally do on a test). But even though testing isn't 100%, it's still an absolute must for me, and if I was in the singlehander market I'd want to think I'd adequately got the feel of both the Aero and Zero before parting with the hard-earned.

We have a sensible person on the forum!!!!

After reading shed-loads of car test reports over the years, and occasionally buying the wrong car by taking others' views too seriously (we're all looking for something different in a car or boat), I've concluded that a representative (long, calm) test is a must, but even then my opinion has sometimes changed after I've got the vehicle in question (everyday driving/sailing is not what you generally do on a test).

Originally posted by SUGmeister Very good report. Comparing 8.1 mtr sail with aero 7, would like to see performance comparison with Aero 9

With those winds, you'd probably need a bigger sailor doing the test, as it sounds like a very skilled 73kg was only just enough, especially for the Zero. Lighter winds would give a different dynamic. But if done with the same attention to detail, both would be very interesting.

Interesting insights into the boats.

As a non Downwind God, I might be swayed towards the Aero from that write up, but the upwind control on the Zero sounds excellent.