A quick update with some key points about the ever awesome Harken Young 88 Nationals.

Weather

Quite a lot better than what we have had lately 

Long range forecast looking good for next weekend

Entries

Looks like we will have somewhere between 13 and 16 boats. Fingers crossed that some more of the "possibles" can untangle clashes and join the fun.

If you are struggling to enter with the Top Yacht software then get in touch with Race Manager
Megan Thomson Phone: 09 360 6809 Email: mthomson@rnzys.org.nz

Here are a few key points re the weekend. As always please refer to the 88 event page, the RNZYS Official Page/Noticeboard. The Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and Amendments for more info and the "source of the truth".

Bloody Covid.....

We recognise this is a challenging time and we are all a bit over Covid and all its disruptions. Hopefully this will be the last Nationals under its shadow! We are determined to do our best with hosts RNZYS to run a fun and safe event within the rules and guidelines.

It is up to each individual skipper to ensure crew safety and compliance onboard. RNZYS must ensure compliance at the off water events.

To that end events at the club will have the same hospo rules I am sure we are all getting used to 

• These guidelines restrict RNZYS to only 100 patrons = max for the prizegiving.
• Other COVID-19 guidelines for your event include:
  • - seated F&B service REQUIRED
  • - vaccine pass required for entry
  • - mask required for entry

Measurement

We were unable to get a slot for hauling and weighing boats this year so the measurers have been filling the gaps on boat status as best they can.

Reminder per the NOR the last day for measuring sails is Weds 16th.

If you have any questions then please contact Chris Macindoe: Measurer@Young88.org.nz

Crew Weight

"The maximum crew weight, wearing a minimum of shorts and tee shirt is 616 kilograms.  There is no limit on the number of crew."  Refer to race docs for full info.

An 88 with 7 heavies will beat a lighter crew in anything over 10 knots so we do this to keep racing as close as possible and ensure that lighter crews (often mixed or younger) have the opportunity to get to max weight.

We have tried to minimise the "admin stress" so compliance is via skippers' declaration at registration. There may be checks on either day after racing.

Your crew can choose to weigh in any time from 14th Feb up to the briefing on 18th. NB No crew will have to weigh twice. 

Race Registration and Briefing

Friday night. Registration from 1600, briefing 1800. Bring your spare/backup spinnaker for sealing.

Racing

There will be up to 10 races (yep it's a Nationals :)) and we will aim to start at 1000hrs each day. The race officer will select the race area (basically Rangitoto North or South) based on forecast and we will attempt to give as much notice as practical re the plan for each day.

There will be drinks in the Dinghy Locker after racing Saturday and a few spot prizes including a Mount Gay Chilly Bin draw for skippers and crew in attendance.

Prize-Giving Registration

This is always popular and a great way to catch up, sledge and tell lies about the weekend. It will happen after racing on Sunday and will be as early as is practical, allowing time for any protests to be heard and for guests to arrive.

We have set up a prizegiving event and need you to register the number of crew, family and friends to reserve a spot. Click here to register

Crew

No doubt this year there may be more last minute changes than normal. If you need to fill any gaps we recommend:

1. firing off messages to Auckland based crew with the right profile on MySail here https://app.mysail.team/connect/search using the filters to find the experience you need.
2. The 88 Nats Crew Page Here https://app.mysail.team/series/2676/2022-harken-young-88-national-championships
3. Putting a message on the RNYS Crew Finder Facebook Page here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1483468198628436

Communications

Will be per the NOR and SIs for the official stuff and via email, phone and WhatsApp (switched from FB messenger to bet better coverage)

Hopefully that is clear and I got the main points if not you know how and where to get me or the relevant member of our committee https://www.young88.org.nz/about/committee/

See you Friday

Regards,

Mike

Mike Leyland | m:+64 (21) 554 239 | d:+64 (9) 215 3479 | e: President@Young88.org.nz |w: www.Young88.org.nz