Harken Young 88 Nationals won by Raging Hormones crew

Zane Gifford and crew on Raging Hormones were crowned the 33rd Young 88 One Design National Champions, taking the line and handicap double after a challenging and fun weekend's sailing in Auckland, February 17-18.

They will be joining a long list of names on a trophy board that features some of New Zealand's best including Mike Sanderson, Rod Davis (honourary Kiwi), Will Tiller, Earle Williams, Harry Dodson, Leslie Egnot, Jeremy Lomas...

2018 Harken Young 88 National Championship - photo © Suellen Davies

After racing Zane said "It was a well-run regatta with a wind range of 5 to 17 knots, Saturday was a gruelling 6 races in a building breeze of 10 to 17 knots. The 4 races on Sunday were in light shifty conditions which made it hard work for tacticians. All in all, it was a very enjoyable regatta."

He also acknowledged his crew Matt Kempers, Sean Paterson, Hugh Gallaher, Steve Broadbent, Stewart Dodson, and Will Tiller.

Fleet newcomer Nick Gillies made the wise move to buy Waka Huia less than a year ago and sailed extremely well to finish second:

2018 Harken Young 88 National Championship - photo © Suellen Davies

"As a new owner and team, we thoroughly enjoyed the racing over the nationals, and were rapt to finish second. Not sure we'll be able to repeat that! It's probably the best class racing I have done since sailing dinghies a long time ago. Thanks to everyone who organised the weekend".

2017 champion Mark Bond on Slipstream came in a very close 3rd after a challenge with the U Flag / OCS rule.

Frans de Court also sailed well in the tricky conditions and picked up the sought after 1st Corinthian (no pros) prize.

Young 88 Measurer Chris Macindoe (War Machine) was awarded the Taylor Trophy for the great work, tightening and enforcing the one design rules, plus weighing and measuring pre-event. James Corbett (Flash Gordon) hit the jackpot with the $500 Harken spot prize.

It was fantastic to have designer Jim Young and his wife Anne join us once again for prize giving along with Mike Pearce from class boat builder Mike Pearce Boatbuilders Ltd and Harken NZ CEO Robbie Young.

Like usual the event was immaculately run on and off the water by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) race and hospitality team. Having the umpires on the open water course north of Rangitoto ensured fantastic conditions and clean racing.

Thanks also go to class and event sponsor Harken for their support, competitors, organisers and the small army of volunteers.

2018 Harken Young 88 National Championship - photo © Suellen Davies

2018 Harken Young 88 National Championship - L-R Matt Kempers, Sean Paterson, Hugh Gallaher, Zane Gifford, Steve Broadbent, Stewart Dodson, Will Tiller - photo © Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Overall Results: