Sat 21 Mar 12.00 noon The race has started.
Looking ahead, conditions are expected to improve slightly through the afternoon. A northerly breeze is forecast to build from around 6 knots to 8 knots between 1pm and 5pm, and calm seas. A low tide at 4pm, dropping to 0.3 metres, may also influence tactics across the harbour especially as the fleet heads towards the finish line.
Sat 21 Mar 11.30am On a day of minimal but growing wind, the course has just been confirmed, formally called Course 5. The course is circa 8 nautical miles and is run between Takapuna and Rangitoto Island:
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- Starting at the North Head Yellow Racing Buoy
- Rounding the Takapuna Yellow Racing Buoy
- Rounding the Northern Leading Yellow Racing Buoy
- Back to the starting mark
Sat 21 Mar 9.00am This morning delivered near-perfect autumn conditions, clear skies and sunshine, but very little wind.
The fleet has now been split into divisions, reflecting the wide range of boats taking part. Division 1 features high-performance entries including the GC32 Frank Racing alongside a strong group of Open 8.5s such as Attitude, Epsom Salts, and Lucifer, as well as offshore-capable designs like Oceans Tribute and the multihull Selah.
Division 2 includes well-known Kiwi performers such as Another Duchess, Krakatoa II, and Innismara, while Division 3 shapes as one of the tightest fleets, with boats like Chain Reaction, Kaimai Flyer, and Southern Fun expected to feature.
Further back, Divisions 4 and 5 highlight the depth of the event, from classic Kiwi designs to modern cruisers. Among them, Sailena, the 7-metre Moonraker 23, stands out as one of the smallest boats in the fleet.
Fri 20 Mar 7.00pm onwards Festivities began at Jellicoe Harbour in the Wynyard Quarter. The Wynyard Pavilion courtyard was filled with crews, supporters, and industry faces, including members of the 36 Degrees Brokers Beneteau and Lagoon rally fleets. A few familiar names from Emirates Team New Zealand were also spotted, a strong show of support for grassroots sailing.
Across Jellicoe Harbour, PIC Insurance flags line the waterfront while berths were packed with competing boats. Others remained in nearby marinas, preparing to join the fleet for today’s start.
During the evening, Commodore Adrian Percival of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club welcomed competitors and outlined safety expectations, with a light reminder not to collide with his starter boat.
