On Sunday, 10 November 2024, ten highly competitive Young 88 yachts assembled for the North Sails Young 88 Northern Owners Championship, hosted by Bucklands Beach Yacht Club.
Dangerzone, the defending champion, led by owner/skipper Harry Thurston, returned to the water with their 2023 title on the line and a reputation to uphold. Thurston and his crew delivered an impressive performance, winning four of the five races and reaffirming their dominance in the fleet.
The competition was intense, with each team eyeing the top spot. The conditions added an extra layer of challenge, as sailors navigated through shifting winds between 5-10 knots and faced a passing rain squall, requiring constant vigilance and quick adjustments. Despite the varying conditions, Dangerzone’s crew maintained their edge, managing the shifts effectively and staying ahead of the competition.
“As usual, the Young 88 fleet delivered with silver medalists, world match racing champions, and us Sunday battlers,” said Thurston.
“The racing was very tight and tactical. My team on Dangerzone sailed very well, probably the best we have with a very good vibe on the boat. Tactics were on point, our starts were good and the crew work was great! I’m very proud of the core team to have won the Nationals back in March and now the Owners Champs back-to-back. We are really enjoying the racing and are excited about this season,” continued Thurston.
Hot on Dangerzone’s heels was Waka Huia, helmed by Nick Gillies. Backed by Olympic 49er silver medalists Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie, Waka Huia never finished outside the top three, showcasing consistency and skill across all five races. Though they kept the pressure on Dangerzone, Gillies and his team ultimately secured second place overall, just missing the top spot.
Rounding out the podium was Undercover, skippered by Mark Tapper, with world-ranked match racer Nick Egnot-Johnson trimming the main. The experienced team on Undercover kept pace with the leaders, demonstrating sharp decision-making and agility in the shifting conditions to claim third place overall.
The fleet remained tightly packed throughout the event, with every crew on the start line pushing hard for a piece of the winning action. Sailors needed to stay sharp, reading the shifts and seizing every tactical advantage on the course. This year’s championship delivered exhilarating one-design racing, proving once again why the Young 88 class continues to draw top-tier talent and thrilling competition.
From the fleet
“Tough day for the boys on the Undercover, super tricky race course today. Getting on the wrong side of a few shifts was the motto but the boys did a great job and we had a amazing time out there competing in this great fleet of boats!
Nick Egnot-Johnson – main trim
Undercover
“This was the first owners nationals we have done and our second proper regatta after the refit. Even though we weren’t eligible for results as I wasn’t helming, we are loving the Young 88 racing. Perfect conditions out there today for the regatta. Thanks to the BBYC for hosting.”
Mark Nicholls – owner
Fatal Attraction
“Frustrating day in big shifting breeze. We found ourselves with a great first race, and then slowly fell off the front pack in last four races. Nevertheless, all crew onboard had a great day out, run by a great race committee.
Gavin Haslip – owner/skipper
Babe
“After we crossed the line on the first race I said to Mark (Tapper) ‘That’s the closest fleet race we have been in!’ The distance from 1st to 10th wasn’t big and that was the theme for the day. Everyone raced well in conditions that just kept changing.”
Ant Challinor – pit
Undercover
“Many thanks to Bucklands Beach Yacht Club for another very well-run series and to North Sails for their sponsorship for the Y88 Owners’ Champs. A great day of close racing in a one-design fleet. Still some of the best fleet racing in Auckland and a lot of fun.”
Gary Fowler – owner/skipper
Paddy Wagon
“Lining up against the other Young 88s was a daunting prospect with a crew in training, but our confidence grew throughout the day. It was a fantastic event and not nearly as intense as anticipated. We were ecstatic to be in the mix and will definitely be back again. It was a well-run event and a great bunch of people – thanks all!” Wayne Mackenzie – owner/skipper
Smokey
“A great day out on the Harbour racing in the channel which created some ‘extra conditions’ with launches and ferries plowing through the fleet! Five races with a mix of conditions throughout the day made for some really fun windward/lewards. We finished middle of the fleet and whilst it’s always good to get close to a podium finish, out racing with the crew and pushing against some strong boats is a good challenge and always fun!”
Lucy Jezard – pit
War Machine
“Not one of our better regattas results-wise, but still a great day on the water. The Owners Champs is a very chill regatta, BBYC cranked through the races so it was all sailing and no faffing. Race days like this is what one-design keelboat sailing is all about.”
Roger Sims – owner/skipper
Heartlight
The next major event on the Young 88 calendar is the annual pilgrimage north to Bay of Islands Sailing Week from the 22-24th January 2025.
Young 88 Racing Schedule
Sprint Series
Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club
Tuesdays through to the 1st April 2025
North Sails Southern Championships
Naval Point Club Lyttelton
1-2 March 2025
Auckland Championships
2 March 2025
National Championships
Bucklands Beach Yacht Club
22-23 March
2024 North Sails Young 88 Northern Owners Championships
Overall Results
- Dangerzone (Harry Thurston) – 4pts
- Waka Huia (Nick Gillies) – 8pts
- Undercover (Mark Tapper) – 12pts
- Flash Gordon (Dean Drummond) – 13pts
- War Machine (Mike Leyland) – 17pts
- Babe (Gavin Haslip) – 24pts
- Smokey (Wayne Mackenzie) – =29pts
- Heartlight (Roger Sims) – =29pts
- Paddy Wagon (Gary Fowler) – 32pts
- Fatal Attraction (Mark Nicholls) – not eligible for overall results
Handicap Results
- Smokey (Wayne Mackenzie) – 11pts
- Dangerzone (Harry Thurston) – 12pts
- Heartlight (Roger Sims) – 13.5pts
- Undercover (Mark Tapper) – 14pts
- Waka Huia (Nick Gillies) – 15.5pts
- Paddy Wagon (Gary Fowler) – =17.5pts
- Flash Gordon (Dean Drummond) – =17.5pts
- War Machine (Mike Leyland) – 19pts
- Babe (Gavin Haslip) – 32pts
- Fatal Attraction (Mark Nicholls) – not eligible for overall results
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.
@YoungEightyEight
