Lucky completes the trifecta
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has declared Lucky (USA) the overall champion of the 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race.
The Juan K–designed 88-footer, skippered by Bryon Ehrhart with Brad Butterworth calling tactics, adds overall victory to her line honours and record-breaking finish earlier in the week — a clean sweep across the board.
Lucky covered the 1,250-nautical-mile course in 2 days 20 hours 27 minutes, slicing nearly half off Antipodes’ 2023 record and underlining her pedigree as a modern ocean racing weapon.
Chasing the American giant
Second over the line was Frantic, Michael Martin’s TP52 from Newcastle, finishing at 23:26 on 16 October (AEDT) after 5 days 10 hours 26 minutes 50 seconds.
The defending champion of the inaugural 2023 race, Martin’s crew again delivered a polished offshore performance through unpredictable Tasman conditions.
“Every day was different,” Martin said. “We had hard downhill running, lost a few spinnakers, and night three was the highlight – completely adventurous sailing. When we finally reached flat water into Auckland it was a relief. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Antipodes crossed the finish at 03:06 on 17 October (AEDT), completing the race in 5 days 14 hours 6 minutes.
Owner Geoff Hill praised the event’s challenge and spirit:
“Apart from Cape Town to Rio, this is the only true Southern Hemisphere ocean race. It’s tough, cold, beautiful – and worth it. The pros on board did it for the love of the race.”
Final boats on approach
At 07:30 AEDT Saturday 18 October, Wings (Ian Edwards, NSW) was leading both the ORC and PHS divisions among boats still racing, with only 85 nautical miles to go and an ETA around 18:50 this evening.
The crew reported good morale and a much-appreciated homemade lasagne from Edwards’ wife Lindy as they passed Cape Reinga under clear skies.
Cooloola (Alan Hill, Swan 48) follows just behind at 115 NM to the finish, sailing at around 7 knots and expected in Auckland before midnight.
Despite a failed generator and a few cold meals, the crew remains upbeat – “vino at happy hour” and all.
Final standings (provisional)
Line Honours: Lucky (USA)
IRC: Lucky (USA), Frantic (AUS), Antipodes (AUS)
ORC – current: Wings (AUS), Cooloola (AUS)
PHS – current: Lucky (USA), Frantic (AUS), Wings (AUS), Antipodes (AUS), Cooloola (AUS)
Podium presentation today
The official presentation will be held at Royal Akarana Yacht Club at midday today (Saturday 18 October), celebrating a race that once again delivered both punishment and beauty across the Tasman.
Commodore McClelland thanked sponsors Harken and Palm Beach Motor Yachts for their support and hinted that entries for the 2027 edition will open soon.
With the final yachts closing on the Waitematā Harbour, the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race has proven again that it’s a true blue-water classic – long, demanding, and deeply rewarding.
