The 2025 Young 88 National Championships delivered everything we’ve come to expect from this legendary class—tight racing, spirited sportsmanship, and a community that continues to punch well above its weight.
Held over the weekend of March 22–23 and hosted by Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, the regatta brought together 16 boats in what turned out to be a masterclass in racing under pressure. Despite light and variable winds, the race committee, led by Blair Park, did a stellar job keeping things running smoothly. With Auckland’s notoriously fickle sea breezes delaying starts each day, it was the late-afternoon Manukau breeze that eventually delivered the consistency racers needed. The course, set in the “Back Paddock” east of Browns Island, proved worth the trek for Westhaven-based boats, offering the best racing conditions available.
At the end of Day 1, the competition was wide open—five boats had each secured a win, and the top four were separated by just four points. Sunday’s two races, with a discard in play, ultimately decided it all.
A Flash Finish for Flash Gordon
Congratulations to Karyn Drummond and her crew on Flash Gordon for an outstanding performance and overall victory at the Nationals. Karyn is also the first female skipper ever to win a Young 88 National Championship title!
Flash Gordon's consistency paid off, with a discarded sixth place and two race wins securing them the title. Karyn also took home the coveted Tanaka Cup for top “owner-driver” and the Mixer Trophy, awarded to the highest-placed boat with a mixed-gender crew—an impressive sweep of major honours.
Rounding Out the Podium
In second place overall was Harry Thurston aboard Danger Zone. Third place went to William Mason on Young Magic, who has now made a name for himself as a Young 88 helmsman.
Mike Leyland and his War Machine crew claimed the title of First Corinthian Boat - no professionals on board!
Special Awards and Acknowledgments
Craig Edwards and his crew on Simple Minds were recognized with the Sportsmanship Trophy for their dedication and effort in traveling north and organizing a successful campaign.
Prizegiving took place back at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, where special guest Roger Land presented class president Gary Fowler with a piece of class history—an album chronicling Paddy Wagon, the very first Young 88 built for Ross Field to race in the 1982 Round North Island race.
Looking Ahead
Next up for the class is the Young 88 AGM, available both in person and online. Click here for more information.
And don’t hang up your sailing gloves just yet—the much-loved 1-2-3 Handed Series kicks off in April, promising more fun, close racing, and camaraderie on the water.
Thinking of Joining the Fleet?
There are several competitive Young 88s currently for sale. If you’re after great boat-on-boat action, an inclusive and enthusiastic community, and a well-supported class with a full race calendar, now’s a great time to get involved. The Young 88 Owners’ Association continues to do an excellent job of preserving the spirit and competitiveness of the class, ensuring there’s always something on the horizon.
