D-Zero

Sorry - my mistake !

However - the comments still apply really - far more Phantom activity in this country than D One. So its still a very healthy class.

Also the D One and Phantom don't compete - only one has a kite ?

You don't have to be Finn size to sail a D One, that's the whole point of the wings.  And yes, they are two very different boats.  The phantom will alwYs be better RTC, the D one is amazing on open water with courses that make optimum use of an asy.

Hi Maxi

Why not try the Blaze-Halo ?  We can sort out a trial sometime and I think you would love it - 11.5m fully battened now and 2.5m wide.  You need to be at least 95kg imo and more is better... and if you are the right weight it flies.. restricted water or open really 'bouncy' water + just about any course.  It was purposely developed for larger guys after all.

If we do a forumites gathering sometime I'll sort one out for you.  Failing that 'Sailfest' in late August maybe ?  .... calling all forumites etc... 

Mike L.

Originally posted by iGRF Originally posted by Jack Sparrow just make sure you don't leave your boat on the yellow cross hatched marks on the causeway, as your opinion of the club will significantly be reduced after the bombardment of abuse you will get from the Fisheries Staff! Oh and if you fall in don't expect the level of rescue cover you appreciate at Draycote. You will more likely end up being rescued by another sailing dinghy than a rib, as happened to my young son. I'd heard there have been issues with the fisheries staff, there was a big argy bargy with the windsurfers not long back some little hitler jobsworth going for a total ban because they went a bit too fast and scared the fish murderers. It's nothing the threat of the introduction of a half decent high strength pesticide to the water if they don't act in a professional or conciliatory manner quietly whispered in the appropriate ear shouldn't cure. No fish = no job.

Well I came across a mardy windsurfer at Oxford who grumbled for no good reason. If not rude, certainly not polite or friendly. I hope he didn't think I was a fisheries man!

I would say though that the club is more basic on the inside than the flash exterior hints at!

..... at 16 1/2 stone and well over 6ft surely I am now the 'right' size for it

Sounds like it would be fine to us ! ... largest Halo helm to date was 127kg ...  The sail is not a problem but finding a spare hull at the moment may take a bit of thought - we are a bit overwhelmed with demand and all loan ones are in use.  We have sailed it in both light and windy conditons and it always feels like the wind force is a notch higher ...  F2 feels like F3 etc  at my 'racing snake' weight of 83kg (yes relative of course !) it makes a great training/fun sail - the regular 10.4m sail seem a doddle when you return to it ...  Plane upwind ?  It does little else.

Mike L.