Another great regatta at RPAYC this weekend, and thanks to all owners and crews who attended to make it such an enjoyable event. We hope to see you all again next year and encourage those who were unable to make it this time, to put it in your diary for next year, around the same time (dates to be confirmed).

It was a privilege to have the “father of the class” Jim Young, make a special appearance at our annual regatta.

Click the links to view:

1. The Video of the Jim Young interview, 

2. Y88 promo video 

3. Historic slide show (photo credit Roger Land)

Thanks to Mike Leyland from the Young 88 Owners Association for pulling this all together in time! In summary, we had a great weekend of light/variable winds up to 12 knots at times, sailing in beautiful Pittwater.

The event was strongly supported by 11 entries from 7 different clubs, with growing interest from Y88 owners around Australia, and expressions of interest from NZ teams also keen to participate next year. The regatta is conducted in a friendly, competitive atmosphere, with the main priority being participation, and FUN! We anticipate an even bigger fleet for next years’ event and encourage all owners and interested sailors to keep the dates free.

BIG thanks to our sponsors Selden Australia, who provided a gift pack for each competitor, and continue to support sailing at all levels, offering quality products and services.

HUGE thanks to the RPAYC volunteer race management team, led by Steve Merrington, ably supported by Rosemary Merrington, Bill Stevens, Leanne Dooley, Sue Crawford, Trev Hannah and Ron Palmer, and to Nick Elliott, Brendan Rourke, Tommy Spithill and Jade Berry from RPAYC yachting office.

Tightly bunched fleet at the start

 Close battle between the appropriately named Younger Generation sailed by Tallis/Ellis family (mum Sarah, dad David, kids Josh (10 yrs) and Emma ( 6 yrs), and “adopted” son Bradley Anson (ancient)), and Mal Thompsons’ Pistol Dawn

Light, shifty breezes made downwind legs a tactical challenge

Pittwater action, Young at Heart showing the fleet her transom in race 6

“Young Blokes” with no mates!! Greg Reid and Keith Masters mix it up, sailing two-handed

Overall winner Steve Ellis, sailing “Agent 88”, receives the Gunga Din Sword, presented by RPAYC Vice Commodore Ron Palmer. The Gunga Din Sword is a historic trophy, originally presented for racing in the ½ ton class, which thrived at RPAYC during the IOR era. With the Young 88 design having been conceived as a “modern” version of the ½ tonner, it is appropriate that the Gunga Din Sword has been rededicated as the highest award for the Y88 RPAYC Open Championship

Justin Atkinson skipper of “Kia Kaha” is awarded with the Chinook Trophy for overall PHS winner, by Commodore Ron Palmer and Y88 legend Brian “Grinner” Ellis (Venue).

Keith and Greg receive a special mention, and bottles of wine, for their two-handed efforts

Emma and Josh Ellis receive the “Milkshake Trophy(s)” from Commodore Ron Palmer and grandad Brian, as the youngest crew members in the regatta, sailing Younger generation skippered by mum Sarah, with dad David in the bow (maximum separation!). Great effort, by the Younger Generation team, who also scored a run-away victory in race 5