Issue date
A growing fleet of Young 88s and enthusiastic racing in the capital has been the catalyst to host the Knight Frank Young 88 South Island Championship this year in Marlborough.
Waikawa Boating Club, the largest boating club in the top of the South Island, will host the event which will be raced for the first time on the waters of Queen Charlotte Sound this Waitangi weekend (6-8 February).
Up to four Wellington crews are expected to cross Cook Strait to take on the best of local and Canterbury completion for a shot at the South Island Title.
Traditionally the event has been hosted in either Lyttelton or Akaroa and was first contested in 2005. Young 88 Association South Island representative, Craig Edwards, says the move north this year was prompted by owner’s feedback. “We surveyed the Young 88 owners last year and the results were compelling in terms of the number of boats likely to attend. So the Association said, yes, let’s go to Waikawa.”
Edwards, whose boat Flying Machine, was the top performing Young 88 at the recent Lawson’s Dry Hills Regatta in Waikawa will defend their South Island Championship Title for the second time.
Tough competition is expected though with Wellington teams Whistler III (Mike West) and new entry 88% Proof expected to set a high standard. 88%Proof is not new to the South Island Champs having competed previously in Akaroa. This year though she will be sailed by new owners with sport boat sailor Herve Le Goff at the helm.
Local Waikawa yacht, Smokey, is also available to compete although the current owner, Fiona Balch, is unable to sail in the event. A past President of the Young 88 Association Fiona has generously made the boat available for an experienced team to compete at the event.
Knight Frank have continued their support for the Young 88 Class event in this their 6th event as principal sponsor. Other key supporters include North Sails, Harken, Mt Gay Rum, Marlborough Marinas, Villa Maria Wines and Oddies Marine.
