As the official presentation ceremony of the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A) started at 12pm (NZDT), two yachts remain at sea, breeze deprived but rewarded with magical experiences, as Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) Commodore, Rob McClelland, announced the date for the next edition of the race.
“I’m delighted to confirm that the next Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race will start on October 10, 2027,” the Commodore said from race co-host, Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC).
He also declared the top three overall: Lucky (Bryon Ehrhart, USA), Frantic (Michael Martin, NSW) and Antipodes (Geoff Hill, HKG). The trio also crossed the finish line in that order.
“As we celebrate the race, there’s a duel unfolding between Wings and Cooloola, both still out there showing incredible persistence and seamanship. They remind us that finishing this race, in any time, is an achievement to be proud of,” he said.
The crew of Wings and Cooloola were looking forward to arriving during daylight hours today, but it was not to be. Wings now looks likely to finish after 10.30pm (AEDT) tonight and Cooloola in the early hours of tomorrow morning. However, both were rewarded in another way, as crew members explained this morning.
On Ian Edwards’ Dehler 46, Wings, it was an all-women watch this morning. Jana Com reported: “We had another challenging drifter last night with no wind for hours. The most excitement was provided by some dolphins and a seal playing around the boat yesterday.
“We have less than 100nm to go. It feels like we’re so close – yet so far in the current conditions!!”
On board Cooloola, where ingenuity came into play, Lisa Denvir said, “Cooloola’s day? It’s been a very challenging last 24 hours. No wind some wind, no generator, so the food was heated on top of the engine (see short video on the official Facebook page).
“We’ve seen seals, a fin whale and a baby one… As we drift towards Auckland, at least we still have coffee and music,” she ended.
At 11.30am (AEDT) Wings was making 7.3 knots with 79nm to the finish and an ETA of approximately 10.30pm tonight. Cooloola was doing 7.2 knots and had 90nm to the finish with an ETA of 1.16am tomorrow morning.
Back at the Presentation, Commodore McClelland told those assembled, “This 1250 nautical mile race demands courage, seamanship, teamwork, and determination – and every one of you who set sail from Sydney has demonstrated that.
“This year will be remembered for two highlights. First — the phenomenal record set by Lucky, owned and skippered by Bryon Ehrhart, in a time of 2 days, 20 hours, 27 minutes, 7 seconds. A world-class achievement and a benchmark to aim for in the years ahead.
“And second — the great duel between two yachts that have now completed both editions of this race and independently took line and overall honours in 2023: Antipodes and Frantic.
“I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our great partners – Harken and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, for your generous support and ongoing belief in this event.
“To our co-hosts, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, led by Commodore Nick Hanson, thank you for your hospitality and seamless coordination here in Auckland.
“To Panuku, manager of this marina, your professional support has been outstanding, ensuring the fleet received such a warm and well-organised welcome.
“And to my own RPAYC team led by Nick Elliott, thank you for your dedication, professionalism and countless hours of work behind the scenes.
“I’d also like to acknowledge all participants, supporters and media who have shared stories throughout the race. It’s been incredible to see the event come alive off the water through photos, videos, and reports from mid-ocean.
“Starlink has made a huge impact on ocean racing. For the first time, we’ve been able to follow real-time updates, interviews, and moments of triumph and challenge as they happened at sea. It’s opened up a whole new way of sharing what offshore sailing is truly about and we’ve loved seeing those stories unfold,” Commodore McClelland said.
“You couldn’t ask for a better race. Serious ocean sailing between two of the great yachting cities of the world: Sydney and Auckland. This is a race worth building on — and we will.
“We look forward to seeing many of you back on the start line — and a few new challengers ready to take on the Tasman too,” the Commodore ended.
The S2A started at 1pm at Watsons Bay on Sydney Harbour last Saturday and is co-hosted by RPAYC and New Zealand’s RAYC.
Enthusiasts can follow the fleet’s every move via the Yellow Brick tracker at: https://pro.yb.tl/S2AOR25 or download the Yellow Brick app.
There is also plenty to see on the race’s social media channels including videos and photos. For all information on the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, please visit: www.sydneytoauckland.com
Di Pearson/Sydney to Auckland media
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Further media information: Di Pearson, phone: 0410 792 131
