We are not referring to speed records here.  Jim Young’s wonder boat cannot foil, is only 30 foot long and most of the fleet were designed and built last millennium.  It can however still break its own records for race entries and do a quick change to take the family away cruising for summer!

This weekend sees the start of Auckland’s ever popular SSANZ 2023 PIC Insurance Brokers Triple Series. The Young 88s have a record eighteen entries. The fleet includes three competitive mixed crews with a great shot at the magnificent line honours trophy donated by Dougal Love and going head-to-head for the “Mixed Doubles” trophy.

Karyn Drummond will be back to helm Flash Gordon with husband Dean running around the deck following orders 😊.  The Drummonds are fresh off a victory in all events and overall in the Young 88’s unique Mount Gay Rum 1-2-3 handed series sailed April – June. This included the family affair in the three handed champs sailing with son Finn.   Team Drummond will be keen to break last year’s SSANZ hoodoo where they came second on countback to War Machine’s McWilliams/Macindoe/Leyland syndicate.

Tomorrow’s race sees the fleet start at Northern Leading light, then head North with Motutapu on  Port to Round Motuora off Mahurangi before heading back almost the same way. Last year’s race was airless with lots of “sand traps” to fall into. This year it will be anything but. The forecast is “sporty “with a Westerly breeze well up in the 20’s and gusting into the 30’s. The good news… no rain and crews should be back home in time for a hot bath, a rum and dinner.

For more info on Young 88 short handed racing including results see the 1-2-3 Series event page here. The Young 88 SSANZ Triple series page here. Updates will also go to the Young 88 Facebook page here

The SSANZ page is here.

2023 SSANZ Triple Series Entries:

2023 Mount Gay Rum 1-2-3 Series Results: