Few events on the Auckland sailing calendar generate quite the same spectacle as the PIC Harbour Classic, and this year's edition looks set to deliver in full. Up to 66 boats are expected at the start line on Waitematā Harbour, with 56 entries already locked in and another 10 working through their final registrations. The fleet takes in a wide range of vessels, from dedicated racing yachts and classic boats through to family cruisers, making for one of the more varied gatherings the harbour sees all year.
Last year's event gave Frank Racing a dominant outing, claiming both line honours and overall handicap. Weapon of Choice carried the monohull honours, while Skitzo topped the Young 88s, Rat Catcher won the Pied Pipers class, and Team Sex took out the Sports boats. Those results will give this year's competitors plenty to aim at.
Commodore Adrian Percival is expecting the standard of competition to hold firm. "Competition is expected to be just as fierce this year, with crews across all classes ready to battle it out on the water," he says. "In fact, several well-regarded Greg Elliott-designed yachts are among this year's entries including Radioactive, Chain Reaction, and Buoy Racer, all of which have strong track records across the New Zealand racing circuit."
The official entry list does not tell the full story of the departing fleet. A number of Beneteaus, Lagoons, and Excess catamarans will also leave from the start before making their way across to Motuihe Island, swelling the numbers heading out of the harbour.
The mass start is widely regarded as the event's defining moment, and Percival has taken steps to make sure it runs smoothly for every type of crew. "One of the things that makes the PIC Harbour Classic unique is the mass start, seeing the whole fleet set off together at the harbour entrance is truly spectacular," he says. "This year, we've adjusted the start line slightly to make things safer and less chaotic, so no one should feel daunted. We've also mapped out eight possible courses, and on the day we'll choose the one that best suits the wind, tide and weather. That flexibility helps ensure a great race for everyone."
Spectators along the waterfront will not be short of viewing options. North Head provides a commanding outlook over the harbour, while the beaches of the East Coast Bays offer a front-row position as the fleet charges away from the start.
PIC CEO Kristen Garner sees the event as something that reaches well beyond the podium. "Events like the PIC Harbour Classic are fantastic because they bring the whole sailing community together," she says. "As much as it's a competition, it's also a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day out on the water before the end of the summer sailing season."
After the racing concludes, prizegiving marks the start of celebrations ashore. From there, crews can continue the festivities on their own boats or head to the afterparty aboard the Osprey launch, moored in Jellicoe Harbour, where all competitors are welcome to tie up for the weekend.
The PIC Harbour Classic draws its inspiration from Italy's world-renowned Barcolana Regatta, pairing genuine on-water competition with the kind of relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that reflects Auckland's deep relationship with the sea. Participants gather for a welcome function on Friday, 19 March, with the race itself getting under way at noon on Saturday, 20 March.
