Added by Ollie: 7th March 2010

The 2010 Young 88 South Island Champs was a great regatta run over two days of excellent sailing conditions on Akaroa Harbour.

The weekend started with 9 Boats tying up to the Akaroa Cruising Club jetty early on Saturday morning so that the remaining crew members could jump on board and anything heavy and that didn't look useful was quickly unloaded! All the crews looked keen to get stuck into some close racing, including three local boats from Akaroa (Hyperactive, Future One and Shibbean) one boat (88% Proof) who had made the trip down the coast from Wellington, as well as 5 other South Island Boats (Medium Dry, Smokey, Legacy II, Full Circle, and Flying Machine).

The first race was sailed in very light southerly conditions which died even more towards the end of the race, meaning some boats scored a DNF. Much to everyone's relief in race two a steady northeasterly began to build which set the scene for the rest of the regatta. Three more races were completed on the Saturday in winds of about 10-12 knots.

On Sunday the wind started to build before most people had woken up and by the first race it was getting up over 20 knots! The racing would still stay very close though and the top teams would show the importance of good boat handling in these conditions. The race committee must have decided that the crews were still looking pretty fresh and with the solid breeze as well as plenty of time left for sailing, decided to set a long course consisting of a triangle and two windward-leewards. The wing mark was set right outside Tikao Bay and gave the fleet some exciting reaching conditions.

Well done to "Medium Dry" skippered by Anthony Leighs and his team who took out the event. With "88% Proof" skippered by Brendon Hogg taking 2nd place and "Flying Machine" skippered by Craig Edwards in 3rd place.

It was also good to see some young local sailors onboard "Future One" including Pete and Jonathan and also Ryan Thompson who did well as skipper on "Shibbean" for the regatta.

Cheers to the Akaroa Cruising Club, Young 88 Association and to Brian Bone, skipper of "Hyperactive" for letting myself and the crew from "Head Office" jump onto his boat for the regatta!