Issue date
The Young 88 fleet is once again proving its popularity as an all purpose racing and cruising boat with a record number of entries for this Sunday’s regatta to be hosted by the Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
Short handed sailing is becoming increasingly popular as evidenced by the growing numbers of boats participating in one, two and three handed events. The Young 88 is ideally suited to this type of sailing with all control lines leading aft, primary winches adjacent to the helm and the option of a non overlapping headsail.
Grant Crawford Y88 Association President said “We knew the class was gaining popularity as a great value, all-purpose racer cruiser but the level of interest in this weekend’s single handed event has surpassed expectations”
Entrants include the usual Y88 suspects plus well known sailors returning to have a crack at them like yacht designer Greg Elliott. Greg built some of the first Y88s in the early 80’s before branching out into his own highly successful design business.
Last year’s champion, Nathan Williams on Slipstream III will not be back to defend his title this year, as he’s off to find another this weekend at the Elliott 5.9 Regatta in the Bay of Islands.
Racing will be harbour course/s around the permanent yellow racing marks. The current forecast is great, with clear skies and a suitably soft 10kt Southwester.
The Y88 shorthanded program continues to build through the winter with the Y88 Two Handed Champs on Sunday June 17th. The SSANZ Simrad Triple Series follows, starting in July and is always well supported by a good fleet of Y88s.
To enter the Y88 Single Handed or Two Handed events click here http://www.rayc.org.nz/young-88/
More information on the Young 88’s can be found online on their website www.young88.org.nz
Results will be made available online on the RAYC website www.rayc.org.nz
Photos and more online “like” the Young88 Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngeightyeight
