The Race to Auckland - we are RACING...
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Entries Close - 11 September, 2025 - Enter Today
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025
"The Race of a Lifetime"
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) together with the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) welcomes participants to the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, 11 October.
A dramatic and compelling ocean (and we mean ‘ocean’) race course.
The race will start in Sydney Harbour on 11 October 2025 and finish in Auckland Harbour, 3-8 days later. This challenging trans-Tasman 1,250nm Category 1 race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts, Two-Handed Yachts, superyachts and ocean racing multihulls.
NEW, for 2025, the Rally to Auckland will coincide with the race! Starting a week earlier on 4 October from Pittwater, NSW.
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) together with the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) invite competitors to participate in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, 11 October.
A dramatic and compelling ocean (and we mean ‘ocean’) racecourse has been shoe-horned into the start of next year’s busy Spring / Summer sailing season.
The race will start in Sydney Harbour on 11 October 2025 and finish in Auckland Harbour. This challenging trans-Tasman 1,250nm Category 1 race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts, Two-Handed Yachts, superyachts and ocean racing multihulls.
NEW, for 2025, the Rally to Auckland will coincide with the race! Starting a week earlier on 4 October.
Watch the 2025 Race Start Live
The race start will be streamed live from 1240 Saturday, 11 October.
Alternatively, watch from North Head or cheer on the teams at the start line, situated north of Shark Island at 1:00pm.
Race start, 11 October, Sydney Harbour
Interview with Michael Martin, 2023 Winner on Frantic
Interview with Commodore Robert McClelland, Cruising to Auckland
RPAYC’s Robert McClelland explains the race’s communications have been simplified for the 1250 nautical mile race: “Satellite phones, AIS and trackers on each boat, no time-consuming skeds. This follows the Club’s successful Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race, which is run on the same basis.”
The other joy for competitors is that the Sydney to Auckland into New Zealand Ocean Race has been timed to allow prospective competitors to compete on the northern circuit in Queensland beforehand and to be back in Australia in time for the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart yacht races.
Alternatively, entrants can stay on in New Zealand and take advantage of the famous Coastal Classic held in late October. There is also the Bay of Islands Sailing Week in late January 2025 to consider and Auckland to Noumea – not to mention the scenic cruising opportunities.
The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is open to fully crewed racing and cruising yachts, two-handed yachts, superyachts and ocean-going multihulls. It is the longest race originating from Australia open to a variety of yacht classes.
Entries for the Category 1 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, to be held by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Association with the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in New Zealand, close on 11 September 2025.
Royal Akarana Yacht Club – The Home of Blue Water Sailing
The Royal Akarana Yacht Club is one of New Zealand’s oldest yacht clubs and occupies a unique place in this country’s recreational sailing history.
Throughout its 127 years, it has been at the forefront of New Zealand yachting and particularly in its early years, had a huge influence on the way the sport developed in this country. Visit the club at https://rayc.co.nz/
Latest News
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race slows down as breeze lightens
MEDIA RELEASE The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A) is evoking all sorts of emotions aboard the yachts remaining at sea, as conditions go from wild and wet to light and tricky as breakages start to take their toll and New Zealand seems so far away for some. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s 1250 nautical mile race has delivered a bit of everything so far, from hard reaching, to grey skies and rain, starry nights, golden sunsets and beautiful sunrises, not to mention cold as crews get closer to Auckland. After a great sail yesterday, Brad Kellett reported from Geoff Hill’s Antipodes (HKG) this morning, “Well, looks like we might manage 24 hours without a sail change. That will be a novelty… “We had a beautiful spinnaker reach all day yesterday on the back end of the south-westerly front that came through yesterday morning. Last night the breeze went a bit light and fluky but we seemed to manage to flow through the lightest of the weather for now. “It’s currently squally with the occasional bit of sunshine. Raincoats on when on deck. We’ve got 100 miles to go to Cape Reigna, which means we’re less than a Sydney
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race: Lucky claims line honours but race still on
MEDIA RELEASE Bryon Ehrhart’s Lucky has claimed line honours and broken the race record in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A) earlier this morning, crossing the finish line at 9.20.27.26am AEDT (just after 11.27am New Zealand time) finishing the race in 2d 20h 27 minutes 7 seconds (full release with quotes to follow), but the race is still on for the rest. A night and morning of mixed blessings in the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s (RPAYC) biannual 1250 nautical mile race, with wet and wild rides thrown together with a magical sunrise, warmth, rainbows and hearty meals. Good boat speeds with competitions to see who can produce the highest numbers are bringing the yachts closer to their quarry – the finish line off Royal Akarana Yacht Club, co-host of the race. Janease Graham reported from Ian Edwards’ Dehler 46, Wings (NSW): “After a fun night with the G4, two reefs in the main coasting in 25 to 30 knots and catching waves, Wings is cruising along with our A5 up. It was a very enjoyable night and day. We were treated to the most beautiful sky of brilliant stars last night. “There are still lots of delicious meals
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race: Unpleasant night at sea
MEDIA RELEASE Last night was a harsh reminder of how a beautiful sail on the ocean can change in an instant, as it did last night in the 1250 nautical mile Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A), requiring quick thinking and action as crews worked together to bring things back under control. On Alan Hill’s Swan 48, Cooloola, Lisa Denvir was succinct: “We had an eventful evening aboard. Just as we were about to have dinner, a front hit us with a vengeance. We had the A2 (Asymmetrical spinnaker) up at the time, but managed to retrieve it and everyone is safe. “We saw 42 knots on a number of occasions but have moved on this sunny am,” Denvir ended. Geoff Hill’s Antipodes has had her fun too and navigator, Brad Kellett put it beautifully: “If ocean racing was easy and fun all the time, everybody would do it. Last night was a mission. Pitch black, nothing to steer to, wind shifting 90 degrees. “Heading to NZ – nope. Heading to Antarctica – nope. Heading to Lord Howe Island! Anyway, we got through the night and we’re still having on our battle to conquer the Tasman.” At 9am he reported,
Competitor Information
RACE DOCUMENTS
AMENDMENTS
RACE ENTRY
FIND OR REGISTER AS CREW
AUCKLAND INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
- For more information on participating contact sailing@rpayc.com.au
- For supporting sponsorship opportunities contact: marketing@rpayc.com.au
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- 11 October 2024: Early Bird entry (discount now closed)
- 11 September 2025: Entries Close (Late fee applies)
- 1 October 2025: Sailing Instructions, Entries, Divisions & Provisional Ratings Published
- 4 October 2025: Rating Deadline
- 4 – 11 October 2025: Rally starting window
- 9 October 2025: Skippers Briefing and Crew Cocktail Party (6:00pm RPAYC). Welcome drinks and canapes will be provided followed by a weather
and race briefing at 1830hrs. We welcome all the crew, there families and Members to attend. Dinner will be available from the RPAYC Bistro following the
briefing. - 11 October 2025: Race Start Sydney Harbour
- TBA: Social Event at Harken Westhaven
- 18 October 2025: Race Presentation at RAYC, 12:00pm
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Official Race Merchandise available through Official Partner Shoreside Clothing
-
Sydney to Auckland – Women’s Regatta T-Shirt
$40.00 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Regatta T-Shirt
$40.00 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Race Cap
$35.00 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Face Tube
$14.50 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Race Hoodie
$70.00 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Men’s Polo
$75.00 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Women’s Polo
$75.00 Buy product -
Sydney to Auckland – Elevation Puffer Vest
$99.00 Buy product
Future event dates
- 2025 Race – October 11
- 2027 Race – October
- 2029 Race – October
Further Information
The race has been classified by the Organising Authority an Australian Sailing Special Regulations category 1 race with the addition of the OAs own additional requirements as listed in the Notice of Race.
This means that an entrant will need to have a Cat 1 Audit done and additionally have an Australian Sailing National Certified Auditor sign off the O.A.’s additional items.
RPAYC: Berths for competing boats may be available at RPAYC for a discounted rate in the build-up to the Race. For more details on berthing at the RPAYC and alternative berthing in Pittwater and Sydney, please contact the RPAYC. waterfront@rpayc.com.au
AUCKLAND: Berthing will be provided on arrival in Auckland at Jellicoe Harbour at the Wynyard berths.
Berthing after customs clearance.
Berthing will be alongside across berths WYN 02 – WYN 09
Competitor showers and toilets will be located on the quay adjacent to the berthing, access by code.
Water and electricity are available in the berths. Electrical connection is by 63a and 125a connection. Shore power cables require to have been tested and tagged.
Attached is a map of the berths Wynyard Berths including WYN 17 (Quarantine Berth).
Berthing is available on Halsey Wharf until the 24th October 2025. The first 48hrs after arrival is covered by the entry fee, further berthing fees are the responsibility of each boat. Visitor short stay berthing fees will apply.
The Race Committee will direct boats to their temporary berth. Boats planning to stay on in Auckland or New Zealand should contact Via Duct Marine to make arrangements. It is a condition of Entry that boats must moor in accordance with the directions of the Via Duct Marina Manager.
Pre – Departure Paperwork
Yachts will have to provide an Export Declaration Notice (EDN) on departure to obtain a certificate of clearance and an Import Declaration (N10) on return.
Australian Border Force have recommended the use of a customs broker to assist with customs formalities, due to the complexity of the customs laws and the consequences of an incorrect declaration.
Useful Links
- https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea/yachts-and-pleasure-craft
- https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import/import-declaration
- https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/exporting/how-to-export/export-declaration
Departure Sydney, Australia.
On Saturday morning (11th October 2025) Australian Border Force will be available to check yachts and crew out of Australia from the CYCA and MHYC ahead of the start of the race.
If you have not already let us know where you plan to be, MHYC or CYCA, on the morning of the race please let me know by reply.
Australian Registration
Guide to registering your ship on the Australian General Shipping Register
Under the Shipping Registration Act 1981 (the Act), all Australian owned or operated ships, 24 metres and over in tonnage length, and capable of navigating the high seas, must be registered. Any ship sailing to a foreign port must also be registered, regardless of size. All other craft, including Government ships, fishing and pleasure craft need not be registered, but may be if the owners desire.
Apply for a temporary pass for yacht races, rallies, and sailing overseas
Custom requirements are applicable to all crew and boats. RPAYC has arranged for the Australian Boarder Force to conduct Custom Clearances at CYCA and MHYC.
Arrival Auckland, New Zealand.
Once you have crossed the finishing line in front of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (full details in the Sailing Instructions) you will be required to proceed to the quarantine berth located on Halsey Wharf, Wynyard Berths, berth WYN17. Crews will be required to remain on the boat in the quarantine berth until customs and bio-security have cleared the boat.
Customs and MPI arrangements need to be made directly by vessels, the race committee will assist in keeping them informed of anticipated arrival times.
Customs NZ on 029 296 1375 or aklshipsservices@customs.govt.nz and MPI on 029 909 3005 or akwvessels@mpi.govt.nz
The requirements for yacht arrivals into NZ are outlined at Arriving in NZ in yachts and other recreational boats | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz)
Please go to Step 5 for links to documents to notify MPI and Customs of the arrival.
Please be aware: Customs and MPI Biosecurity operating time frames are as follows:
- Monday – Friday: 0630hrs – 1800hrs
- Weekends: TBC
Yachts arriving outside of these hours will need to be processed the following day. Yachts and crew must remain within the quarantine berth until such time that clearance is given by Customs and Biosecurity.
Despite our best efforts to get boats processed throughout the finishing times of the race we have been unable to organise out of hours service and therefore please be prepared to stay on board on arrival in Auckland until Customs has been cleared.
We will continue to do our best and negotiate to make arrival out of hours as painless as possible.
New Zealand Customs
Competitors are reminded that it is their sole responsibility to ensure that they clear out through customs in Australia and clear customs into New Zealand on arrival. NewZealand Entry and Visa requirements may be applicable to you. NewZealand Custom Officers will meet Competiors on arrival to Auckland on berthing at the Auckland ViaDuct Berths.
For more information on the requirements for entering New Zealand by Yacht and for the New Zealand Customs Service, Yacht Pack see: https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz/yachts/
Australian Border Force
View Departure & Entry requirements here: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea
Pack & Send in Mona Vale
Gear Transportation
Pack & Send will be at the club for the Skippers Briefing and Crew Party (Thursday 9th October 2025) from 1700hrs, bags and gear can be dropped with them and will be transported Air Freight to New Zealand. They will be able to provide estimates of freight costs. If you wish to contact them directly ahead of departure:
Pack & Send Mona Vale Service Centre
Email: monavale@packsend.com.au
Tel: 02 9910 7000
Collection Address | 16 Mitala Street, Newport 2106 |
Delivery Address | Okahu Bay, New Zealand |
Box Dimension | Weight |
46 x43 x 64 CMS 25kgs
46 x 43 x 50 CMS 20kgs
46 x 43 x 35 CMS 15kgs
Pack & Send can tailormade box sizes to any size according to customer preferences.
Phone +61 2 9910 7000 |
Unit 2/1785 Pittwater Road, MONA VALE NSW 2103 Australia |
A crew register is available for the race hosted by MySailTeam.
Safety and Survival at Sea & other Crew qualifications
Several companies offer Crew Training certification:
Several companies can lease equipment to yacht owners as required for the race, e.g. Satelight phones, Liferafts, PLBs.
EPIRB Hire
The Place to Buy, Hire or Rent a Satellite Phone – EPIRBhire Thuraya Iridium Inmarsat
Great Circle Lift Rafts
Sail Exchange
https://www.sailexchange.com.au/personal-safety-equipment/rental-gear/life-rafts-rental.html
Bettina Crafoord | Mobile – 0418 866 333
The race of a lifetime will draw the attention of an international and nationwide audience.
To be part of this event contact the Organising Authority at marketing@rpayc.com.au for a prospectus.
Share the event!
Crewing Opportunites
Event Enquiry
Contact the Organisation Authority Here and also be added to the 2025 Expression of Interest group
