Class Representative:    Craig Dixon   5371638     crdixon@ihug.co.nz 

The P Class is a monotype training/racing dinghy designed by Harry Highet in 1923. The class has stood the test of time with the aid of a tight set of class rules that have been carefully amended over the years to allow the boat to benefit from changing technology whilst maintaining its integrity as a strict one-design class.

The P Class fleet at Howick was very strong from 1962 until 1972, with up to 20 boats in the Club in the mid sixties. They disappeared until 1999 when the first of our Optimist sailors started outgrowing their boats or felt like taking up the challenge of sailing a more technical boat. The maximum age was raised during 2002 to 17 years, which it is hoped, will encourage more sailors to enter the class instead of going straight to the Starling. 

The P is generally accepted as the next step after the Optimist with most skippers making the transition between the ages of 13 – 15 years. Many sailors are sailing the P up until the Nationals in January each year, then switching back to the Optimist or move of to the Starling.

The move from Optimist to P Class allows young sailors to develop their knowledge and skills in sail trim and boat handling. Whilst the P Class offers a challenging platform on which to develop sailing skills, it is also very rewarding as sailors learn the benefits of body position, boat handling, sail trim and rig tune, aspects which are not as critical on the more stable and simply rigged Optimist.

All P Class skippers are encouraged to sail in as many outside regattas as possible, as it is by experiencing competition in different waters and against different competitors that improvements in performance are made.

The most important events in the P Class calendar are the Tanner Cup (inter-provincial) and the Tauranga Cup (National fleet racing champs). These two events are being held next in late December 2003 and early January 2004 on Lyttleton Harbour in Canterbury. 

Howick Sailing Club was one of four host clubs for the 2003 event, held off Murrays Bay. Club member Michael Langley came 5th in the Tauranga Cup. 

Trials to choose the Auckland Zone representative for the Tanner Cup were held at Howick Sailing Club.

All Club members are eligible to enter the Tauranga Cup.