Calm start ahead for the fleet
The pre-race briefing for the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic blended Kiwi humour with solid seamanship advice. This will be the 43rd year and 42nd running of New Zealand’s favourite race north.
The weather briefing from Nick Olson of PredictWind suggested a soft start, with around 10 knots of breeze expected at the 10 a.m. gun. A passing front overnight would leave patchy conditions through the morning before a gradual fill-in up the coast. Crews were advised to watch real-time observations and monitor tidal currents, particularly around Bream Head and Tutukaka, where the flow may separate the fleet early.
Olson noted that the downwind ride home could arrive late in the weekend as westerlies settle in—“but not before Sunday night,” he cautioned with a grin.
Fleet mix: legends and young guns
Race director Megan Kensington highlighted the diversity of the 2025 fleet—from the 88-foot Lucky with Brad Butterworth on board, fresh off a Sydney-to-Auckland win, to the next generation of sailors, including Luke Tucker’s Wild Thing and the Jamison brothers, aged 15 and 12, on Kick.
“Big boats, innovators, and the future of sailing—it’s all here,” she said, setting the tone for a race that celebrates both experience and enthusiasm.
International entries include Guy Chester’s 12-metre Ocean Tribute, powered by solar and hydro generation—a nod to the race’s growing sustainability focus.
Safety first: lifejackets, radios, and readiness
Organisers reiterated the mandatory safety requirements in clear terms. Every crew must wear a lifejacket above 15 knots of wind or at night, unless specifically exempted by the skipper.
A handheld VHF must remain active in the cockpit on Channel 16 throughout the race, ensuring nearby boats can assist if trouble arises before Coastguard arrives.
Man-overboard drills were strongly encouraged: “If you haven’t practiced one, talk it through on the way out,” competitors were told. “It’s probably the most important exercise you’ll ever undertake before racing.”
The finish line at Russell lies between the finish boat and a buoy 100 metres off Russell Wharf—miss that gate, and you haven’t officially finished.
Sponsors and community
Title sponsor PIC Insurance Brokers, represented by John Chandler, reaffirmed their long-term support:
“It’s an iconic event. We’re proud to have been partners since 2012.”
New sponsors Charlie Bravo Boat Company join the lineup alongside familiar supporters B&G / Zhik, Doyle Sails, Mount Gay Rum, Burnsco, and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
Crews were encouraged to recycle using the provided bags, with B&G managing the new race-day recycling programme, and to enjoy a post-race burger and Mount Gay Rum at The Naughty Penguin in Russell.
New challenge: the Coastal Passage Record
In an exciting addition, organisers unveiled the Coastal Passage Record—an official benchmark for the fastest Auckland-to-Russell runs outside the race itself.
Boats may attempt it year-round, solo or crewed, provided they carry Cat 3 certification, give 48-hour notice to the NZ Multihull Yacht Club, and log a GPS-tracked course. Records will be recognised across monohull, multihull, shorthanded, and return categories.
The goal, they said, is to encourage safe, fast coastal passages while keeping the spirit of the race alive year-round.
The party and the passage ahead
Prizegiving will be held Saturday 7 p.m., followed by the official after-party at 7.30 p.m., with strict noise controls until 1.30 a.m. Water taxis on Channel 08 will ferry crews ashore using wristbands, available online or at Russell.
The evening wrapped with a laugh and a reminder:
“Don’t forget to pack your sense of humour—it may be required.”
As more than a hundred boats prepare to surge north once again, the message from the Squadron was clear: sail smart, stay safe, and enjoy the ride.
