Last weekend’s Harken Young 88 Nationals ducked, tacked and gybed to avoid infringing against Covid and its tricky rules. A typically varied and competitive fleet assembled with strong representation from the Americas Cup Alumni on Dean Barker’s Danger Zone, and Jonny Bell’s Undercover, the RNZYS Youth Training Program on Skitzo, the seasoned class stalwarts and new owners getting “the nats initiation”.

Lomas and “Team AC” did not have it all their own way starting the regatta with a bit of a bang in the first race incurring a penalty and having to dig their way out of the many holes throughout the regatta in the light and shifty breezes. The talent aboard and boat prep showed as Danger Zone came to the fore to take out line honours for the second year running.

Dean had some very positive feedback about the event “Great fun both on and off the water.  The fleet is very close amongst the different boats given the huge difference in age of boats and equipment used.  RNZYS as always do a very thorough and professional job and the Organising Committee in this class is best I have experienced in any racing that I have participated in”

Next on line was Chris Macindoe on War Machine with a hard-fought second. The lead up to the regatta was less than smooth with Covid Isolation causing two crew to drop out at the last minute. Fortunately, Guy Pilkington and 12 yr old son Tom were able to join fellow Stewart 34 rival Mark Bond to more than ably fill the gaps.  War Machine also picked up the Tanaka Cup with Chris as the first "owner driver".

Third place online went to Nick Egnot Johnson helming Jonny Bell's Undercover also with a boat load well-known names including Harry Thurston and Will Tiller. Rick Hackett the owner of Skitzo kindly lent the boat to the RNZYS Youth Training Program crew with Robbie McCutcheon helming finishing one point off podium earning them some great experience in a bigger displacement boat and Rick the Taylor Trophy for sportsmanship. First Corinthian (“no pros”) went to seasoned campaigner Jacko Van Deventer on Sailor moon and first boat on performance handicap was Roger Sims on Heartlight sailing well to "beat their number"

Thanks as always to the volunteers on the race committee led by Celia Carson for the fast and efficient race management and umpire Doug Hatch for keeping “the kids” in line.

Thanks also to event and class sponsor Harken NZ and the team from RNZYS the organising authority for another professionally run event on and off the water.

LiveSailDie were the media partner and once again came to the party with brilliant photos by Suellen Hurling which can be seen at this link

The events are coming thick and fast for the 88s. Next weekend will see an excellent fleet of thirteen Young 88s vying for the North Sails Young 88 South Island Champs. The venue this year is in the beautiful Akaroa Harbour just a short drive from Canterbury. Nine 88s from Naval Point Club Lyttleton are going “around the corner” to mix it with four 88s based in Akaroa. Harry Thurston, fresh from the nationals, has borrowed a boat and will be super competitive again this year. Flying Machine will as always perform extremely well. For details refer to North Sails Young 88 South Island Champs.

For more information about the Young 88 and the Class Association refer to the web site www.young88.org.nz and follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/YoungEightyEight

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