D2 gnome
(European Folklore)
A small earth-dwelling spirit from European folklore, often associated with the protection of hidden treasures and natural places.
Gnome is D2, one of the very first Derwent Class yachts built. Launched in 1928 for Walter Taylor, she was built by renowned Tasmanian boatbuilder Percy Coverdale at Battery Point.
Almost a century later, Gnome remains one of the fleet’s great links to the early days of the class. She is the oldest Derwent still actively sailing and racing, having passed through generations of custodians while continuing to compete with the fleet.
Her racing record is remarkable. Gnome has won the Derwent Class Championship nine times, with three of her original championship pennants — from 1935/36, 1946/47 and 1947/48 — still held with the boat today.
Those pennants are a tangible connection to the people who sailed Gnome nearly a century ago, and to the generations who have cared for her since.
Today, Gnome continues to race with the Derwents. Nearly 100 years on from her first launch, D2 is still doing what she was built to do.
