The 2025 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race is shaping up as one of the most intriguing editions in recent memory. Organised by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), this year marks the 39th running of the race, with the fleet set to depart at 1300hrs (Sydney local time) this Friday (11th April).
While the Pittwater to Coffs lacks the global profile of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart, it draws a uniquely diverse field: multihulls, monohulls, fully crewed entries and short-handed sailors, as well as a mix of youth and seasoned ocean racers. This year, 33 entries have been accepted, constrained only by capacity issues at the Coffs Harbour marina, which is undergoing refurbishment following damage from Cyclone Alfred.
A potential stand out this year is Slingshot, a Gunboat 68 previously raced in Europe under the name Highland Fling XVII. Now skippered by Queenslander Dara Johnson, Slingshot brings serious offshore pedigree with Adrienne Cahalan navigating and Steve Quigley as Sailing Master—both ex-Wild Oats XI. Johnson is using the campaign to develop young female sailors, including First Mate Maddy McLeay and Chelsea Williams, both products of the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy.
They won’t be the only multihull chasing line honours. Also in the mix are Stephen Barton’s J’Ouvert and Darren Drew’s Wind Cheetah.
Conditions are often the wild card in this race; the 2024 edition, for example, was plagued by exceptionally light air, testing patience and navigation skills in equal measure. Racing to defend Line Honoura is returning champion XS Moment. Skippered by Ray Hudson, the XP44 took line honours in 2024 in a light and difficult race that saw only three finishers. Hudson returns hoping for better breeze this time around.
The 2025 fleet also features a strong Queensland presence, including Trouble & Strife (Cookson 12) and Awen (a Kiwi-numbered flag: NZL10750), an IMOCA Open 60 to be skippered by Sharon Ferris-Choat. Awen has competed in Kiwi coastal and offshore events, and arrived in Australia at the end of last year to compete in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart and the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (later this year).
Then there’s Q, a Farr 36 from Lake Macquarie, tackling the course two-handed under Mike Shelley and Ian Gilkes. With limited short-handed experience together, their campaign is a mix of preparation and camaraderie. “Mike’s done the race before, but I haven’t,” said Gilkes. “We’ll finish.”
A growing number of short-handed entries add another layer of interest. From ‘The Lake’ region come three more: Verite, Stampede, and Summer Salt. And Sydney’s Mark Ayto returns with Western Morning, an S&S 34 he’s restored and entered double-handed with regular co-skipper Anto Sweetapple. “It’s a good segue into the next set of races – Sydney Gold Coast and the northern circuit,” said Ayto.
First-time offshore entrant First Light, a Class 40 now owned by Elizabeth Tucker, brings with it a story of global ambition. Sailed from Europe to Australia with Cole Brauer, Tucker’s goal is the 2027 Global Solo Challenge. The Pittwater to Coffs will serve as her first offshore test in Australian waters, with an experienced all-women crew including Mitch White, Bridget Canham and Karen Ewels—veterans of Sydney Hobart campaigns in the 1990s and 2000s.
Among the big monohulls, Anarchy, Koa, Sticky, and Penzance are expected to be competitive. Koa, a TP52, will have her eyes on overall honours, while Sticky (Cookson 50) and Anarchy (Bakewell-White 40) both have strong offshore credentials.
Anarchy is a frequent New Zealand race entrant. It has competed in various races in New Zealand, including the Round Kawau race (2018), the Balokovic Cup (2018), the Bean Rock race, the Round White Island race, the SSANZ Two-Handed Round North Island Race, and the PIC Coastal Classic.
Despite the race’s regional nature, it often serves as a proving ground for larger campaigns. The RPAYC uses it as a key event alongside its flagship Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race. And while it doesn’t offer the media spotlight of Boxing Day’s Hobart start, the East Coast Classic remains a vital fixture in the Australian offshore calendar—blending high performance with opportunity, and tradition with future ambition.
Whether chasing line honours, a record, or simply the satisfaction of finishing, every competitor in the 2025 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race will be tested by weather, seamanship and endurance. It’s offshore racing in its purest form—unpredictable, tactical, and open to all.
Based on Media Release.
