The owners are on the helm for the 2024 North Sails Young 88 Owners Championship
The North Sails Young 88 Northern Owners Championship are set to unfold on Auckland’s stunning Waitematā Harbour, organised by Bucklands Beach Yacht Club.
This year’s regatta promises fierce competition among a fleet of ten identical Young 88 boats, all racing in one-design style near the Northern Leading area. As one of New Zealand’s top events for competitive one-design racing, the championship brings together both seasoned champions and ambitious challengers, each vying for the title of North Island Champion in this classic 43-year-old class.
Back to defend his title from 2023, Harry Thurston will skipper Dangerzone, hoping to replicate last year’s success. Known for their strong teamwork and tactical precision, Dangerzone will have to fend off tough competition, especially from Nick Gillies and his crew on Waka Huia. As the 2022 champion, Waka Huia is primed to reclaim the title and oust Dangerzone from the top of the leaderboard.
Adding to the excitement, Karyn Drummond and her team on Flash Gordon are set to make waves. With a reputation for consistency and a recent winning streak, Flash Gordon is rarely seen off the podium, and Sunday’s forecast conditions of a 10-knot northerly seem tailor-made for this boat’s strengths. Many anticipate a strong showing from Dummond’s crew, who are always tough to beat in light to moderate wind conditions.
Meanwhile, Gavin Haslip on Babe brings his dedication and recent upgrades to the fore. Known for their near-constant presence on Auckland’s start lines, Haslip and his crew have put in significant work on Babe over the past few seasons, aiming for greater speed and maneuverability. After placing 6th in 2023, Haslip is determined to improve, and Sunday’s conditions may provide the edge they need.
With clear skies and a 10-knot northerly on the forecast, the stage is set for a thrilling day of racing. The Young 88 class remains a staple of New Zealand sailing, offering some of the best one-design racing in the country. Even after more than four decades, the class remains highly competitive, highlighting the skill, strategy, and camaraderie that keep both new and seasoned sailors coming back year after year.
2024 North Sails Young 88 Northern Owners Championships Entry List
- War Machine (Chris Macindoe)
- Undercover (Mark Tapper)
- Paddy Wagon (Gary Fowler)
- Babe (Gavin Haslip)
- Heartlight (Roger Sims)
- Waka Huia (Nike Gillies)
- Dangerzone (Harry Thurston)
- Flash Gordon (Karyn Drummond)
- Smokey (Wayne Mackenzie)
- Fatal Attraction (Mark Nicholls)
Words
Suellen Hurling
suellen@livesaildie.com
Photography
2023 North Sails Young 88 Owners Championship
Credit: Live Sail Die
About the Young 88
The Young 88 is a popular one-design keelboat class in New Zealand, known for its balance of performance, durability, and affordability, making it ideal for both racing and cruising. Designed by New Zealand naval architect Jim Young in the early 1980s, the Young 88 measures 29 feet and features a fractional rig and a spacious cockpit, accommodating a crew of five to seven for competitive racing. The class has a strong community in New Zealand, with regular regattas and a dedicated association that organizes events and maintains class standards to ensure close, fair racing. Due to its simplicity and robust design, the Young 88 has gained a reputation as a “people’s yacht” that appeals to both seasoned sailors and newcomers to the sport.
About North Sails
North Sails is one of the world’s leading sailmaking companies, renowned for its high-performance sails and innovative technology. Founded in 1957 by American sailor and engineer Lowell North, the company pioneered the development of advanced sail materials and manufacturing processes, including the use of computer-aided design and unique 3Di technology, which uses a composite structure to create lightweight yet durable sails. North Sails supplies sails for everything from dinghies to ocean-racing yachts, and it is the preferred sailmaker for many top racing teams, including America’s Cup contenders. With a global network of lofts and an emphasis on precision engineering, North Sails has become synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability in competitive sailing.
About Buckland’s Beach Yacht Club
Buckland’s Beach Yacht Club (BBYC) is a vibrant sailing club located on the picturesque shores of the Tamaki River in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded in 1949, BBYC has a rich history of fostering both competitive and recreational sailing in the region, offering activities for all ages and skill levels, from youth programs and dinghy sailing to keelboat racing and cruising. The club is known for its strong sense of community and volunteer spirit, which drives its sailing programs, social events, and club races. BBYC’s facilities include a marina, clubhouse, and restaurant, making it a welcoming spot for sailors and families alike. The club also regularly hosts regattas and events that draw sailors from across New Zealand, contributing to the growth of sailing within the local and national community.
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