Issue date
Bill Dalbeth and his crew of Richard Bicknell, Ross Weauer, Chris Maddock, Oliver Scott Mackie, Ian Vickers and Ned Dalbeth-Hudson are the 2016 Harken Young 88 National Champions. Dalbeth also claimed the Tanaka Cup for first owner driver on Waka Huia.
The team scored 17 points over the regatta, with an 8th, two 3rd’s and two guns. After a lengthy protest hearing the committee ruled that Waka Huia was not over the start line in race 3 and she was reinstated in 1st place to secure the regatta for Dalbeth.
Mike Sanderson on Flash Gordon had less luck in the protest room but still managed to finish 2nd overall, carrying a disqualification for starting over the line, two 2nds, two 3rds and one gun with a final score of 25.
Third placed Nathan Williams on Slipstream III sailed a consistent regatta to finish with four 4ths and two 5ths, also finishing on 25 points but taking third place on countback to Flash Gordon.
The Corinthian Award went to Roger Sims and his crew on the 8th placed Heartlight, showing the experience and calibre of the teams competing this year. The Young 88 Association also awarded the prize for 2016’s Handicap winner to Edward Massey on Undercover, winning on countback from 2nd placed Philip Rzepecky and his crew on Medium Dry.
Today’s conditions proved to be just as trying as yesterday, with the race committee just squeezing in the 6 races off Northern Leading. Race Officer Celia Carson said she was happy to have got the required racing in, but would have loved more wind to finish the event off.
The 8.8 meter long young 88’s, designed by Kiwi yacht designer Jim Young, have always been a staple for weekend warriors and professional sailors alike and this regatta is no exceptions.
Final results available here: http://www.topyacht.net.au/results/2016/regatta0204/young88/series.htm
