A new chapter in A-Class history
The world’s fastest singlehanded catamarans are back in New Zealand. From 8 to 16 November, Auckland’s Milford Cruising Club will host the PredictWind A-Class Catamaran World Championships 2025, drawing more than 55 elite sailors from eight nations. The event promises high-speed racing and close tactical duels in one of the sport’s most innovative classes.
The A-Class has evolved dramatically since its origins in 1956. Still governed by a strict “box rule” that keeps the boats within 5.49 metres long, 2.3 metres wide and around 75 kilograms, the class has split into two distinctive fleets.
In 2018, the A-Class Association introduced a dual-fleet format: the Classic fleet, which uses straight or constant-curve foils and sails displacement style, and the Open fleet, where boats fly entirely on hydrofoils. The change kept veterans and traditionalists active while encouraging foiling innovation at the top end of the sport.
Flying versus gliding
The Open division is where the spectacle begins. These 13.94 square-metre sail-powered rockets can lift fully clear of the water and reach speeds beyond 35 knots. They require balance, precision, and relentless fitness; mistakes can end races in seconds.
The Classics, while non-foiling, are far from slow. Racing at 20 knots plus, they emphasise tactics and boat handling over aerobatics. In light winds, their lower drag often proves an advantage, and in breezy conditions, their stability wins races. For many sailors, the Classic fleet offers the perfect balance between speed and strategy.
Together, the two fleets form the beating heart of the modern A-Class scene; a rare blend of cutting-edge design and accessible competition.
The Milford Cruising Club
Hosting the 2025 Worlds is a proud moment for the Milford Cruising Club, a century-old institution nestled beside Castor Bay on Auckland’s North Shore. With its golden sands and broad lawn rigging area, the venue is ideally placed for launching and spectating. Visitors can watch the fleet launch from Milford Beach or take in the action from Rahopara Point, where the foilers will skate across the Hauraki Gulf at blistering speed.
Inside the clubhouse, the race hub is already alive with activity; volunteers, technicians, and local sailors preparing for a global spectacle. The event is supported by PredictWind, providing precise forecasting, current data, and live race tracking throughout the week.
A world-class line-up
The 2025 championships feature a field of proven talent and fresh rivalries. While the record turnout of 179 boats at Italy’s 2024 Worlds won’t be matched, Auckland has attracted a field rich in quality. Among them are world champions, Olympians, and America’s Cup veterans.
New Zealand’s own Dave Shaw (NZL 270) leads the local foiling challenge, backed by Derek Scott, David Haylock, and Hamish Hall-Smith. In the Classic fleet, Mike Drummond, John Kennett, and Pat Ashby represent the Kiwi contingent with home water advantage. Across the Tasman, Australian entries are strong again, including multi-world champion Andrew Landenberger and Olympic medallist Darren Bundock.
A total of 55 boats will compete, 33 Classics and 22 Opens, with entrants from Australia, New Zealand, Poland, the USA, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Switzerland. It’s a truly global fleet gathered in the southern hemisphere for one week of pure racing focus.
Pre-Worlds then the Championship
The event begins with the two-day Pre-Worlds series on 9 and 10 November, followed by a lay day and then the main championship from 11 to 16 November. Twelve races are scheduled, with two discards and separate courses for each fleet. Wind limits are set between 5 and 22 knots, ideal for both Classic and Open competition.
Forecasts suggest moderate northeasterlies and smooth sea states, conditions that could favour New Zealand’s local sailors who know the Hauraki Gulf well. The Milford Cruising Club team has prepared meticulously for months; and Auckland is ready to deliver a world-class event on home waters.
As the first boats line up for the Pre-Worlds in a few days time (9 November), the scene is set for a spectacle of speed, skill, and sportsmanship. When the Worlds starting horn sounds on 11 November, Auckland will once again prove why it’s one of the world’s great sailing stages.
