The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron marked the beginning of its 154th season with everything a season opener should have: clear skies, a packed programme, and over 400 people passing through the gates at Westhaven to take part in a day that mixed ceremony, competition, and community.
At midday, the cannon fired, signalling the symbolic start of another summer of sailing on the Waitematā. The Squadron boat parade followed, adding colour and movement to the harbour, while inside the clubhouse members and guests attended a range of talks. North Sails covered sail care, experienced hands shared offshore cruising stories, and Maritime NZ contributed practical guidance for those planning time on the water this season.
Racing got underway at 1400, with the classic yacht divisions setting the tone. In Classic A PHS, Robin Kenyon's Ariki came out on top, with Thelma and Little Jim close behind, both showing they had arrived at the season well prepared. Classic B went to Gloriana, campaigned by Giles Jordan, who took the division win.
The Open Day fleet produced sharp, close racing on the harbour. Jonathan Gravit's North Cert Servers took the win ahead of Sham Pain and Warringa, with ten boats finishing in close order. That margin across the fleet suggests this division will be keenly contested right through the season.
The day had something for sailors at every level. Morning spinnaker hoisting practice kept younger members engaged, and the "Come & Try Sailing" sessions were fully booked. By late afternoon, prizegiving drew sailors together to swap stories before attention shifted to the All Blacks versus Australia rugby match broadcast on the big screen.
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The Commodore and committee members were visible throughout the day and acknowledged the strong attendance as a positive sign heading into the months ahead. The season calendar is a full one: Wednesday night racing is already underway, Rum Racing begins on October 3rd, and the Commodore's Cup gets started on November 8th. February will bring the added spectacle of SailGP, making this one of the busiest summers the Squadron has seen in some time.
From Ariki and Gloriana carrying the heritage of the classic divisions to the competitive pack that made up the Open Day fleet, Opening Day 2025 captured what the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron does well. Its long history sits comfortably alongside a lively, forward-looking membership, and the day served as a fitting curtain-raiser for the 154th season.
On Tuesday 21 October, the Squadron will host an evening with James Murray and the Callisto team, who return from their Admiral's Cup and Rolex Fastnet Race campaign with some significant results to share. Murray will be joined by crew member Mike Sanderson, and together they will give an inside account of the regatta, including Callisto's overall IRC victory in the Channel Race.
The evening will also serve as the occasion for the formal presentation of the Channel Race Trophy to the Squadron, a proud moment for a club that finished just outside the overall podium. For anyone with an interest in offshore racing at the highest level, it represents a rare opportunity to hear a first-hand account of one of the most competitive Admiral's Cup contests in recent years.
