The Wellington to Akaroa Yacht Race will run again on 4 February 2027, with the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club (RPNYC) confirming the second edition of the revived offshore classic.
The approximately 200 nautical mile course down the east coast of the South Island follows the successful 2025 event. The race is open to keelboats with a current Yachting New Zealand Category 2 Safety Certificate, with fully crewed and two-handed divisions. It counts toward the RPNYC Barton Marine Offshore Championship.
RPNYC Offshore Convenor Geoff Herd said the club was pleased to bring the event back. "The race down the South Island's east coast is equal parts challenging and fun, providing our fleet with some exceptional sailing," he said.
The course is known for shifting coastal winds and demanding tactical decisions. The race record of 23 hours, 9 minutes and 41 seconds was set by Chain Reaction (Elliott 1050) in 1997. Crusader (Elliott 35ss) came close to breaking the record in 2015 while competing as part of the Central Triangle race.
The finish in Akaroa Harbour is hosted by Akaroa Yacht Club, which provides a warm southern welcome for arriving crews. Entry details and the Notice of Race are available on the RPNYC website.
Entry details and the full Notice of Race are available on the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club website: https://www.rpnyc.org.nz/newsarticle/166633?newsfeedId=2249941
