Tomorrow (11 October 2025) marks the start of the Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race 2025, as an international fleet of ocean racers prepares to cast off from Sydney Harbour at 1pm. From the towering 27-metre maxi Lucky to the well-travelled Antipodes and returning champion Frantic, crews are poised for a fast, tactical crossing of the Tasman. With strong north-westerlies forecast for the opening stages, sailors can expect a lively start before the front passes and conditions settle toward New Zealand — a true Tasman test of seamanship, endurance, and teamwork.
A Commodore’s greeting from the Tasman
Commodore Robert McClelland checked in from aboard First Picasso, speaking to crews and race followers as he made steady progress toward Auckland from near Manawatāwhi / the Three Kings Islands. Relaxed after a long Tasman passage, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Commodore extended a warm greeting on behalf of both co-hosts — RPAYC and the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. He reflected on the race’s rapid evolution since its 2023 debut, when Antipodes claimed line honours and Frantic hoisted the Lipton Cup, which remains the event’s most coveted trophy.
First Picasso is Commodore McClelland’s Jeanneau 57 in the Cruising Rally Division. She left Pittwater on 4 October with a member flotilla cheering her on; a fitting display of club spirit, participation, and seamanship.
Before signing off, McClelland acknowledged the race’s partners and sponsors on both sides of the Tasman and offered a sailor’s blessing: “It’s a challenge and an adventure we’re proud to share. Fair winds and safe passage to all.”
Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race 2025: route, format, and rhythm
At the time of writing, the Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race 2025 is less than 23 hours from the gun. The fleet will depart Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Saturday, 11 October (local time), rounding North Head before turning north toward a mark off Barrenjoey Headland. From there, the course stretches across 1,250 nautical miles of open Tasman, bound for Auckland. Once clear of the headland, navigators will fan out, selecting their lanes into the deep — the start of one of the great ocean crossings of the Southern Hemisphere.
Weather brief: fast out of the blocks, then brains over brawn
Meteorologist Dr Roger Badham expects a quick early phase. Strong west to north west winds sit over the New South Wales coast. The front moves off the coast on Monday and tracks east. The breeze peaks ahead of the change at 25 to 30 knots. It then eases and shifts to the south west behind the front. A high pressure system builds mid week to the west of New Zealand. That relaxes the gradient near the North Island. The early legs will be punchy. The middle third turns tactical as pressure softens. The finish could get light near the approaches to Hauraki Gulf. The East Australian Current offers a nudge offshore. Strategy near New Zealand should matter more than current in the run home.
Model guidance differs a touch. A conservative view puts Lucky a shade under three days (Lucky estimates this might be less). Cooloola could take close to six days in softer bands.
Maxi muscle, offshore pedigree, and smart all rounders
Lucky is the headliner. The Juan K 27-metre maxi, once named Rambler 88, is now owned by Bryon Ehrhart and sails for the New York Yacht Club. She is all carbon with a canting keel and daggerboards. The record list under Ehrhart is fierce. Transatlantic, Transpac, and Caribbean 600 line honours sit on the shelf. The programme also brings young sailors into the team. The target is simple, be first to the Viaduct.
Antipodes brings proven ocean reach. The Bill Lee designed Santa Cruz 72 is owned by veteran Geoff Hill. She took line honours in 2023. The boat is tough and quick on the long fetch; Hill is equally tough having completed 21 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races. That experience counts when the sea state turns awkward.
Frantic is a Donovan TP52 optimised for offshore. Michael “Mick” Martin, a former Wallaby winger, drives hard. The team won the Lipton Cup in 2023 and holds blue water records. Expect assertive sail choices and crisp crew work.
Cooloola is a modern Swan 48 by Germán Frers. She blends comfort with speed. A carbon rig and deep keel lift her light air pace. Skipper Alan Hill is 81 and still pushing hard. He calls this the most challenging race of his life.
Wings is a 2017 Dehler 46 owned by Lindy and Ian Edwards. The boat has logged more than tens of thousands of nautical miles, having competed in numerous races, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Ponant Sydney Noumea Race, Groupama Race, Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Race, and the LA to Hawaii Transpac Race. The crew value safety, enjoyment, and steady execution.
On the dock and on the grapevine
There is talk on entries and movements. Wild Thing withdrew and is now aimed at the Cabbage Tree Island Race in December. Lucky which had been in New Zealand turned back to Opua after heavy weather while leaving New Zealand. She has since cleared for Sydney and arrived in time. The fleet mood is upbeat. Crews expect a busy first night and a thinking man’s second half.
The Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race 2025 sets the tone for our season. Lucky is expected to press on to the PIC Coastal Classic on 24 October. The PIC Coastal Classic team has confirmed a strong fleet. Callisto joins after a big Admiral’s Cup result (although with a boat different to the one which competed in the Admirals’ Cup). The idea of Lucky head-to-head with Callisto, both thundering north to Russell will set tongues wagging. The PIC Coastal Classic always reminds us that anything can happen. Boats that flew across the Tasman can still hit a parking lot off Cape Brett. That is yacht racing. That is why we watch.
A race that unites the Tasman
The Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race 2025 celebrates two nations, two clubs, and a shared spirit of seamanship. It blends speed with strategy, honouring the Lipton Cup and the sailors who chase it. From Sydney to Auckland — and for some, drawn by New Zealand’s unmistakable charm, on to the PIC Coastal Classic — it’s a journey that unites ocean racers across the Tasman and leaves them eager to return.
It takes real commitment from organisers and crews on both sides to make it happen. This year’s success proves the spirit is strong — and sets the stage for even bigger fleets in races to come.
