North Sails Young 88 Owners Champs - Oct 4-5- Bringing back Funtastic

by Mike Leyland on 22 Aug 2014 The Young 88 is a versatile cruiser racer matched with a variety of class events.

If the national champs epitomise cut throat one design competition stacked with pros then the North Sail's Owners Champs provide an opportunity for a more relaxed and collegial regatta where the boat must be helmed by an owner.

The Owners Association has had a look at what is working around the world and reviewed Young 88 history. To this end they are relaunching the Y88 Funtastic regatta concept and bringing other changes to ensure continued class success.

Bucklands Beach Yacht club will be hosting the North's Owners Champs over the weekend of October 4th and fifth but this year the plan is for all boats to sail out of the BBYC Marina – global learning, classes that play together stay together.

Friday afternoon will see the fleet gather at the club marina to create a strong visual impact for the class and encourage regatta socializing. A complimentary class BBQ and sponsors beverage will ease any last minute measurement checks while owners & crews exchange the merits of each other’s 88 equipment up close.

On Saturday the open fleet will be sailing windward leeward courses in the open waters West of Browns Island. There will be a North Sails led 'dockside debrief' both days after racing back at the marina following the very popular North U format. This is a chance to hear from the experts re opportunities to improve tactics, sail trim and maybe even use of rules. The concept is well proven overseas and is being trialled here for the first time.

Saturday evening's social activities will culminate with the major spot prize draw from names of competitors present of a brand new North Sails Spinnaker.

The open fleet will be joined on Sunday by a restricted fleet with a maximum five crew and no spinnakers. This is a great way for those new to racing or preferring a more relaxed format to join in the fun.

The event will close with a prize giving back at the club immediately after racing with traditional and new awards to be given out including: line, handicap, first Corinthian (no pros aboard), oldest crew, youngest crew, best dressed crew and whatever else is dreamed up.

There are around fifty boats racing in Auckland and active fleets in Wellington and the South Island. There are also some excellent boats on the market for those interested in buying outright or forming a syndicate. The goal is to get as many boats as possible out for this fun event and facilitate charters and participation by out of town crews.

Entries to date and expressions of interest indicate numbers well up on prior years and a boat has already been secured for the visiting champion South Island crew. Notice of race and entry details can be found on the class web site www.young88.org.nz/ or you can email president@young88.org.nz for more info.