Following the success and momentum of the Sydney–Auckland Ocean Race, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is exploring the establishment of a serious Category 1 offshore race from Pittwater in alternate years. The Lord Howe Island – Balls Pyramid Ocean Race is proposed as part of that pathway. This Expression of Interest is being issued to assess fleet appetite for a structured, annual blue-water challenge conducted from RPAYC and to determine whether sufficient support exists to proceed.
- Organising Authority
The Organising Authority will be the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater, NSW.
- Proposed Course
The proposed course:
Start: Pittwater (Broken Bay) – Lord Howe Island – Balls Pyramid – Pittwater, Broken Bay (Finish).
Total distance: approximately 880 nautical miles.
The race would be sailed as a continuous offshore passage.
The return format removes the need for post-race delivery and associated logistics, providing a practical structure for owners and crews.
- Race Category and Regulations
The event is proposed to be conducted as an:
Australian Sailing Special Regulations – Category 1 Offshore Race
The race would be governed by:
- The Racing Rules of Sailing
- Australian Sailing Special Regulations (Offshore) – Category 1
- A Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions issued by RPAYC
Category 1 requires full offshore compliance, including storm sail configuration, liferaft, emergency steering capability, long-range communications, and appropriate crew safety training certification.
All yachts would be required to meet Category 1 requirements in full.
- Proposed Timing
Proposed Start: October Long Weekend 2026
Final dates and scheduling will be confirmed in the Notice of Race should the event proceed.
- Eligibility
The race is expected to be open to offshore racing yachts that:
- Meet Australian Sailing Category 1 requirements
- Hold a current and valid rating certificate (IRC and/or ORC anticipated)
- Demonstrate appropriate offshore capability and experience
- Indicative divisions may include:
- Line Honours
- IRC
- ORC
The final handicap categories will be determined following review of Expressions of Interest.
- Event Intent
The Lord Howe Island – Balls Pyramid Ocean Race is proposed to:
- Deliver a serious Tasman Sea offshore challenge
- Provide annual offshore continuity from RPAYC in conjunction with the Sydney–Auckland Ocean Race cycle
- Offer a meaningful stepping-stone event for crews preparing for longer trans-Tasman campaigns
- Establish a structured and professionally governed Category 1 offshore race from Pittwater
- Expression of Interest Process
This Expression of Interest is non-binding and is being issued to:
- Gauge likely fleet size
- Assess readiness for Category 1 compliance
- Assist in division planning
- Inform race management and safety resourcing
- Support sponsorship discussions
- Confirm overall event viability
Owners are invited to provide:
- Yacht name
- Type and LOA
- Rating certificate held (IRC / ORC)
- Current Category 1 compliance status (Compliant / Upgrading / Intending)
- Likelihood of entry (Definite / Likely / Considering)
- Any relevant comments regarding participation
- EOI Closing Date
Expressions of Interest are requested by:
30 April 2026
Complete the EOI form by following the link below