America's Cup sailors back for Northern and Southern Young 88 regattas
by Mike Leyland 13 Apr 2021 02:28 NZST
13 April 2021
Dangerzone is now sailed by Team Barker pictured racing under previous ownership in the 2019 Young 88 Nationals © Young 88 Class
The Young 88 fleet continues to strengthen its position as a great racing and cruising option for all ages, stages and regions of the country.
The North Sails Southern Champs are on this weekend April 10-11 and are followed a week later by The Harken Young 88 National Champs. Both events are expected to attract fleets upwards of fifteen boats.
2021 sees some of New Zealand's best sailors back in these marquee events to take on the class champions.
The newest crew to join the fleet are "Team Barker" taking over Dangerzone from "Team Marsh" in March.
Dean's parents had an 88 which he grew up racing and cruising. He is keen to give the latest generation of Barker sailors the same opportunity.
Dangerzone is entered in the Nationals and no doubt Dean will have a few of his handy mates aboard. They will be taking on multiple Nationals winner and 2020 defending champion Zane Gifford on Raging Hormones.
At the other end of the country former ETNZ sailor Harry Thurston has entered Akaroa based 88 - One Way to be part of the record fleet of 15 Young 88s in this weekend's North Sails Southern Champs to be sailed in Lyttleton. Harry's competition also includes a multiple winner and defending Southern champ Craig Edwards on Flying Machine.
Both events are all about good natured competition and banter, North vs South, pro vs weekend warrior, sail loft vs sail loft, and someone to race no matter where you are in the fleet.
Sadly designer and NZ sailing icon Jim Young passed away last year and will not get to see this full on fortnight of Young 88 sailing. We do know he would be chuffed to see his creation still attracting the world's best to a strong national fleet of fun and competitive one design racing.
The North Sails Young 88 Southern Champs are being sailed on Lyttleton Harbour April 10-11. Naval Point Club is the Organising Authority.
For more info go here click here
The Harken Young 88 National Champs are being sailed on the open waters North of Rangitoto April 17-18. The Organising Authority is RNZYS. For more info go here click here