Hi Everyone!

Can you believe it's almost the end of January already?! Crazy!

Here's a brief update of the work being done by the Young 88 Owners’ Association Committee and volunteers and the events coming up over the rest of the summer.

Mast Extrusions

We now have 3 mast extrusions stored at YachtSpars in Kumeu, West Auckland. These will be available for purchase from the Young 88 website shop shortly. Once purchased and paid, the association will confirm the extrusion purchase to YachtSpars who can provide a quotation for the fabrication and assembly of the mast. The Elliott design has been used for these extrusions. This design is slightly larger than the PR6 design that many yachts have and as a result, the deck collar and mast step may need to be replaced with the mast. 

We’ve purchased these extrusions to minimise the downtime that a yacht suffers with a dismasting and to ensure that any replacement masts are compliant with the class rules. 

We can reorder extrusions when the stock is exhausted. If you hear of anyone requiring a new mast, please let them know.

If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.

Bay Week 2026

Bay of Sailing Week has wrapped for another yeah, and wow, It threw everything at those who raced! A shout out to Young Magic and Heart Light who flew the Y88 flag at the event for us.

Young Magic (Giovanni Belgrano) took out Division C overall on PHRF and EHC with Heartlight (Roger Sims Rhys Cole) claiming a podium place on EHC as well placing third. Nice work teams!

More info: Boating NZ Article

An unlikely bunch, Bay Weeks crews Young Magic and Heartlight

Auckland Champs 2026

Ponsonby Cruising Club are hosting the Auckland Champs on the 22 February 2026. 

The NoR and SSIs have been published on the Young 88 website with the entry registration. Please enter as early as possible to help with planning for the event. 

Event page link for more info: Young 88 Auckland Champs - Ponsonby Cruising Club

South Island Champs 2026

The North Sails South Island Championships are being hosted by Akaroa Yacht Club on the 7 and 8 March 2026. Details to be confirmed. Please note that change of date.

Event page link for more info: Young 88 South Island Champs

National Championship

The Harken National Championships are on the 21 and 22 March with registration on the evening before which will be hosted by the RNZYS. The NoR and SSIs are now posted on the Young 88 website together with the online entry. Please enter as soon as possible so we can plan the event. 

There will be a sail measurement on the morning of Sunday 15 March 2026 at the RNZYS. This will be the last opportunity to have sails measured for the Nationals. Please contact the measurer (Chris Macindoe) and purchase your sail measurements through the Young 88 shop beforehand. 

Craig Edwards and his crew is planning to come up from Christchurch for the Nationals and is looking for a competitive Young88 to charter. If you are interested in chartering your yacht, could you please contact Craig on +64 27 434 4245. It would be great to again have a South Island representative in the Nationals.

Event page link for more info: Young 88 Nationals 2026

Membership Renewals

Membership invoices for 2026 have now been issued. It would be appreciated if you could please pay promptly. If you wish to cease membership of the Association, please email treasurer@young88.org.nz

https://www.young88.org.nz/registration

From the archives

Attached is the Young 88 newsletter from October 1998 for a trip back in time. Great to see some names of boats and people mentioned in here still very involved with the class today.

Check out the Oct 1998 newsletter here

Until Next Time...

Keep sharing your photos of Young 88 racing and cruising!

Your Y88 Behind the Scenes Team