Zhik Oxford Blue set to conclude this season's difficult Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series
by Andy Rice 12 Feb 22:10 UTC
15 February 2025
Oxford Blue 2024 © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
It's not been a straightforward few months of weather, but after a friendly Tiger Trophy it looks like the wind is also set fair for a favourable Zhik Oxford Blue this Saturday.
More than 70 boats are already entered for the Zhik Oxford Blue, this weekend's event which is set to bring the 16th edition of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series to a conclusion.
With the prize-giving for the Series set to open the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show soon after doors open on 22nd February, there is one team who will be hard to topple for the top spot, although there's still plenty to play for in the jostling for podium places...
Overall Standings
A total of 375 boats have gained a ranking, and 16 have already qualified after the Tiger Trophy. Tom Gillard and Rach Gray (Scorpion) retain the top spot, with Sam Watson and Charlie Cotter (GP14) jumping nine places to 2nd overall. Megan Pascoe (2.4 mR), is up seven to 5th overall.
Still to qualify is K1 champion, Simon Hawkes and multiple class champion Nick Craig (Finn) sitting in 17th and 18th places respectively. Ben Flower has two entries in 18th and 19th, for RS Aero 9 and ILCA 7. All three of these top sailors could yet make big gains for a final podium place, provided they turn in a good result at the Zhik Oxford Blue.
See enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/content.asp?id=50608&eventid=226008
With four races held at the Tiger Trophy, bringing a total of 15 races across this winter, the GBSC extracted rankings (which count all races) have seen some big changes.
Top Class
The 505s fielded a strong team at the Tiger Trophy to claim Top Class at Rutland. Overall the RS200s hang onto the lead, but ILCA 7s and 6s have closed the gap.
See enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/content.asp?id=50614&eventid=226008
Top Lady
Megan Pascoe (2.4mR) was top lady at Rutland, with two wins. The former World and European Champion in the singlehanded keelboat now heads the ladies leaderboard.
See enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/results_mainp.asp?eventid=226008&templ=226008&classtype=Female
Youth & Junior Rankings
After a solid performance at Rutland, James Davies and Zach Aziz in their 1990s-vintage Laser 3000 move to the top of the CF by L and L Youth rankings, with Sophie Forbes (Topper) holding onto the top junior spot.
See enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/results_mainp.asp?eventid=226008&templ=226008&classtype=Youth
Zhik Old Boats
The Zhik Old Boats league has a cross-section of boats for those 20 years and older, from turn-of-the-century RS300s and 400s to the 66-year-old Magic Marine Gallop winning Norfolk Punt. Paul Young in his Enterprise still heads the leaderboard, and is looking to take home the new SailJuice Old Boats Trophy. With more than £600 worth of high-performance Zhik apparel up for grabs, the top finishers in this new and growing category will be well rewarded.
See enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/results_mainp.asp?eventid=226008&templ=226008&classtype=Old-Boats
All Results
To look back through the individual results from each event across the season, see enter.sailracer.org/eventsites/content.asp?id=50595&eventid=226008
Simon Horsfield Coaching sponsored by GJW Direct Insurance
On Thursday evening GJW Direct coach Simon Horsfield, a three-time winner of the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, will provide an event preview for the Zhik Oxford Blue.
Simon's experience has provided valuable lessons for sailors looking to succeed in multi-class competitions such as we see in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series.
Thursday 13 Feb 2025 · 20:30 - 21:30 (United Kingdom Time)
WhatsApp Group: chat.whatsapp.com/KFlRWkTrhxpDMkqcJbanWR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeldenSailJuiceWinterSeries/videos
Enter the Zhik Oxford Blue
There's still time to enter this Saturday's Zhik Oxford Blue at Farmoor Reservoir.
Go to www.sailjuiceseries.com
Once Oxford is complete, the 2024/25 Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series Prize Giving at the RYA Dinghy Show on February 22 at 10:15 and this will be a great opportunity to celebrate the winners and see over 100 prizes awarded.