Greg Elliott yachts continue to deliver results across New Zealand racing, and several will line up for the mass start spectacle of the PIC Harbour Classic.
Elliott designs arrive at the 2026 PIC Harbour Classic
Greg Elliott’s yachts have long held a respected place in New Zealand racing, and several of his designs will again be on the start line for the 2026 PIC Harbour Classic.
Inspired by the world famous Barcolana regatta in Trieste, the PIC Harbour Classic blends competitive sailing with a relaxed social atmosphere. The concept is simple. Every boat starts together and races across Auckland’s harbour in one dramatic fleet.
One of the defining features of the PIC Harbour Classic is its mass start format. Every boat begins the race at the same time, creating a spectacular start line off Auckland’s harbour entrance.
Saturday brings the main event. The 53-strong fleet will start at 12 noon, with the final boats expected across the finish line later in the afternoon. Prizegiving follows at 5.30 pm, before crews continue the celebrations on their own boats throughout the marina.
Among the entrants are several Elliott designs that reflect the range and longevity of the Kiwi designer’s work.
A fleet spanning generations of Elliott design
The 1995 Elliott 7.9 Radioactive, skippered by Daniel Leech, represents one of the designer’s best known smaller cruiser racers. The Elliott 7.9 is widely regarded as a versatile all rounder. The boat tracks accurately, remains light on the helm and develops strong windward performance as the breeze builds. Under spinnaker it remains stable and predictable, making it equally capable in competitive racing or relaxed cruising.
Another entry is the Elliott 1050 Chain Reaction, skippered by Graeme Lucas. Based in Auckland, the boat regularly competes on the local cruiser racer circuit. The Elliott 1050 has built a reputation as a fast offshore performer while remaining balanced and manageable. The design combines efficient upwind speed with lively downwind sailing under spinnaker, making it well suited to both coastal passages and racing.
Rounding out the group is the Elliott 8 sport boat Buoy Racer, skippered by Holger Zipfel. Designed as a lightweight sport boat, the Elliott 8 focuses on high power to weight performance and fast planing speeds around the buoys.
Results across the 2026 season
Recent results show Elliott yachts continuing to perform across the New Zealand racing calendar.
In the 2026 Doyle Sails Round North Island Two Handed Yacht Race, the Elliott 50 Explore Racing, skippered by William Goodfellow with co skipper Jesse Turner, delivered an exceptional performance by claiming line honours on all four legs of the race.
Another Elliott design also made its mark in the same event. The Elliott 1050 Kick, sailed by Brendan Sands and Ben Roff, won Leg 2 on PHRF, the longest leg of the circumnavigation.
Elsewhere, the Elliott 7.8 Ex Machina, skippered by Jaime Caisley, won the 2026 Marsden Cove Route 66 Coastal Race on fastest corrected time.
Taken together, those results show the continuing relevance of Greg Elliott’s designs. From offshore passages to harbour racing, they remain fast, competitive and highly respected within the Kiwi sailing scene.
