The 2024 PIC Coastal Classic set off early yesterday from Devonport Wharf, launching a thrilling 119-nautical-mile race to Russell Wharf. Known as one of New Zealand’s most iconic yacht races, the Coastal Classic brings together a diverse fleet each year, all prepared to face challenging waters in a competition defined as “Category 3 minus” by Yachting NZ. This classification requires a Category 3 Safety Certificate, allowing competitors to skip the usual life raft or dinghy—meaning they rely even more on their skill and their vessel’s seaworthiness.
With 67 yachts lining up across a variety of divisions, the stage was set for a fierce competition. Yachts ranged from high-performance multihulls to versatile monohulls, each division competing for top honours. The race kicked off under clear conditions, with the fleet pushing forward.
By mid-afternoon the early leaders approached the second checkpoint, Sail Rock, with several yachts carving out promising positions. Fat Freddy clocked the fastest time at Sail Rock at 16:27 (o’clock), just edging out Highline at 16:34 and Romanza at 16:38. Equilibrium and Steinlager 2 followed soon after, both at around 18:00, showing just how tight the competition remained.
Unfortunately, soon after reaching the second way point, strong contenders Fat Freddy (multihull) and Highline (monohull) both had to retire; Fat Freddy ran into problems with beam damage. With both boats retiring from the race Romanza was left firmly in the lead.
The Coastal Classic’s checkpoint system marked key milestones for skippers and crew. After reaching Sail Rock, yachts aimed for Cape Brett, the third checkpoint, with the pressure mounting as night deepened. Romanza, a Rapido 60 trimaran launched in 2017, proved well-suited for this demanding route. At the helm, skipper Dougall Love kept Romanza firmly in the lead, racing for the finish with a focused crew representing the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. In the very early hours of this morning, Romanza crossed the finish line at Russell Wharf, claiming first place when they crossed the line at 01:46—a remarkable performance in trying conditions.
Second place went to Levity, a Schionning CM46 catamaran skippered by Michael Mackey. Levity sailed in for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, completing the race at 03:18, approximately an hour and a half after Romanza. Levity’s steady performance demonstrated the capabilities of this 2021-built catamaran, built in South Africa and sailed to New Zealand by its owner.
Equilibrium, a Marten 55/Botin Carkeek 55 monohull skippered by Graham Matthews, finished just seconds behind Levity at 03:19, an impressive feat for a monohull competing alongside typically faster multihulls.
Hot on Equilibrium’s heels was Clockwork, which crossed the line at 03:59. Skippered by Steve Mair, Clockwork has a storied racing history. Previously known as Blink, this Shaw 12 monohull has a track record of New Zealand and international regattas. Following closely behind, at 04:20, was Zephyrus, a Ker 40 monohull skippered by Matt Cole.
Just 27 minutes later, Steinlager 2, skippered by Jeremy Fern, came in with a time of 04:47. With its distinctive KZ2 sail number, Steinlager 2, now owned by the New Zealand Sailing Trust, holds a special place in New Zealand sailing history as Sir Peter Blake’s Whitbread Maxi from 1989/90. The yacht now serves a new purpose, providing young Kiwis with multi-day sailing adventures and invaluable maritime experience.
At 05:18, Vixen—a modified Class 40 originally launched as Desafio Cabo de Horno—completed the race. Skipper James Tucker and crew piloted Vixen through the Coastal Classic’s demanding waters. Rebuilt in 2021 for the 2025 Melbourne to Osaka race, Vixen remains a powerful competitor. About twenty minutes later, Alegre, a Soto 40 monohull skippered by Vaughn Clark, came in with a time of 05:39.
An interesting moment came with the ninth-place finisher, Fez, a Warwick 50 skippered by Justine and Casey Bellingham. Fez, a beautifully crafted boat made from Northland heart kauri, secured the PHRF handicap win among monohulls, followed by Vixen in second and Zephyrus in third. Fez’s impressive performance is a testament to her quality build and Casey and Justine’s seamanship. Despite finishing ninth on the line, Fez claimed the coveted overall PHRF title in the race, with Vixen coming in second and Zephyrus taking third place.
(On a personal note, when we were looking to purchase a yacht, we visited Fez up in Kerikeri. She is truely a beautiful yacht, designed for racing. We were looking for a yacht with more cabin space so passed her up, but have since seen her at Great Barrier Island.)
Of the 67 boats that started the race, 39 reached Russell. The final boat to cross the finish was Dreamweaver, a Cyclades 43.3, which came in at 12:31 this afternoon—a full day plus some hours after the start. Dreamweaver, once known as La Vagabonde, remains a well-known boat, now piloted by a Kiwi crew for the 2024 Coastal Classic.
The 2024 PIC Coastal Classic showcased a blend of skill, endurance, and the rich maritime heritage that New Zealand holds dear. Each yacht, from high-speed trimarans to meticulously crafted classics, faced unique challenges across the 119-mile journey, and the results were as varied as the boats themselves.
Congratulations to Romanza for their win, and Fez for their handicap win.
Our photos were taken by our very own Roger Mills.
