From Cowes to the Waitematā
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron hosted a packed house for “An Evening with Callisto and the story of the Admiral’s Cup and the Fastnet Race” — a celebration of one of New Zealand’s most successful offshore campaigns of this year.
Skipper Jim Murray, joined by Dean Barker, Callisto’s key helmsman during the European circuit, and Mike Sanderson of Doyle Sails, reflected on Callisto’s 2025 Admiral’s Cup campaign in Cowes, a triumph that not only delivered silverware but again showcased the depth of New Zealand sailing talent on the world stage.
The Callisto programme raced under the RNZYS Squadron burgee in the AC2 division, pairing with Caro in AC1 to form the two-boat team. The result was a powerful international partnership that captured the spirit of the event’s long-awaited return. As Jim put it on the night, “It was the most fun sailing of my life — and the honour of a lifetime to sail for the Squadron.”
A fast 40, a faster crew
In Europe, Callisto campaigned a Botin 42 Fast 40, heavily modified for offshore work. Converted to twin rudders and optimised for long-range reaching, the boat was quick — and brutally wet.
The success was built on meticulous preparation. Working with Doyle Sails NZ, the team refined their sail plan and hull configuration almost up to race week. The result was a boat that came alive in moderate to strong breezes, using its twin-rudder control to surge ahead of heavier rivals.
The Channel Race win was the standout moment of the campaign. As Jim told the audience, “It unfolded exactly as the briefing said — a rare thing in offshore sailing.” The team’s disciplined execution, combined with a refined sail inventory from Doyle’s New Zealand and European lofts, proved the difference.
Leadership and learning
Murray, Barker, and Sanderson, all spoke about the project’s culture of humility and growth. Barker recalled the buzz around the regatta: “Anyone of our generation grew up with posters of Admiral’s Cup boats on the wall. To be back there, representing the Squadron, meant a huge amount.”
Sanderson emphasised the technical side, particularly the sail development and data feedback that flowed between Doyle’s design teams in Auckland, Palma and Cowes. “We were pushing development right up to the start line,” he said. “That’s the level required now in modern offshore racing.”
Women, youth and the future
Another highlight of the night was discussion around the new Admiral’s Cup rules requiring both a female sailor (a hotly debated topic at the moment) and an under-27 sailor on board each yacht. Murray and Barker spoke frankly about the impact.
“Offshore sailing is the ultimate social network,” said Jim. “You build trust over time, and that’s what creates opportunity. If we want the sport to thrive, youth and women have to be part of that network.”
The Callisto crew’s approach was anything but token. Sailor Rebecca, and shore team members Alicia and Isabel, were recognised for their professionalism and contribution to the campaign. Their inclusion reflected the team’s focus on capability and culture rather than compliance.
Next stop: the PIC Coastal Classic
While the Botin 42 Callisto from the 2025 Admiral’s Cup has found a new home with Team Garm of Sweden, Jim’s TP52 Callisto has arrived in New Zealand for this weekend’s PIC Coastal Classic, setting up a mouth-watering rematch with Bryon Ehrhart’s Lucky, the US rival whose name featured often during the evening’s friendly banter.
“We’re not going to beat Lucky on the water,” Jim quipped, “but if the weather lines up, we might just get them on corrected.”
The PIC Coastal Classic will also see familiar faces back onboard, with Barker, Sanderson, and several members of the Admiral’s Cup crew joining for the 119-mile dash from Auckland to Russell.
Silverware for the Squadron
The night ended with a standing ovation as Jim, Dean and Mike presented the Channel Race Trophy to Commodore Blakey, formally transferring the silverware to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
It was a fitting close, a tangible reminder that even a campaign born on the Great Lakes and built in Valencia can carry the spirit of New Zealand sailing wherever it goes.
As the crowd filtered out into the Auckland night, one line from the stage lingered:
“To add a page to the Squadron’s story — that’s why we do it.”
