Fleet takes shape for 2025 PIC Coastal Classic

Each Labour Weekend, the PIC Coastal Classic transforms the Hauraki Gulf into a spectacle of canvas, carbon, and competition. Now entering its 42nd year, the iconic 119 nautical mile dash from Auckland’s Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands remains New Zealand’s premier fleet yacht race.

Hosted by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) and sponsored by PIC Insurance Brokers, the 2025 race has already attracted 98 entries, with more expected before the start on 24 October. The fleet captures the full diversity of Kiwi sailing — from cutting-edge ocean racers to family cruisers and classic one-designs — united by one shared goal: to reach Russell first.

The Coastal Classic was born from the imagination of Roger Dilley of the Auckland Multihull Sailing Association (now NZMYC), who in 1982 proposed a non-stop “drag race” north to the Bay. His idea drew on powerboat speed attempts of the 1920s and quickly captured the imagination of local sailors. Twelve boats lined up for that first start on 23 October 1982, ranging from Peter Williams’ 62-foot Fidelis to a 24-foot trimaran named Gulf Chariot. In light airs, Fidelis led the fleet past North Head, but it was the multihull Krisis, skippered by Duncan “Cookie” Stuart, that reached Russell first in 18 hours — setting the tone for every race since.

That legacy lives on today. The 2025 fleet brings together generations of sailors and designs. Returning contenders include Wired, Rob Bassett and Brett Russell’s Bakewell-White 52 and 2023 line honours winner; Fez, Casey and Justine Bellingham’s 50-foot Warwick, which claimed last year’s handicap title; and Sassinate, Mikayla Plaw’s Melges 40, which came second in 2022.

New entries add a world-class edge. Lucky, a 27-metre Juan K-designed maxi skippered by American Bryon Ehrhart with Kiwi legend Brad Butterworth as tactician, has already claimed major ocean-racing titles this year — including having just won the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, and the RORC Transatlantic. Auckland will mark Lucky’s PIC Coastal Classic debut.

“You can feel New Zealand’s sailing culture long before you reach its shores,” says Bryon Ehrhart, speaking to the PIC Coastal Classic media team at the finish of the 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race. “Everyone here seems to have a story connected to the sea.”

Sharing the spotlight is Callisto, a 15.9-metre Pac 52 skippered by well-known Kiwi sailor James Murray, a sistership to the Callisto that helped the team from RNZYS come fourth in the 2025 Admiral’s Cup. Together, Lucky and Callisto promise a fast-paced battle with Kiwi favourites Wired and Mayhem, Harry Dodson and Tony Bosnyak’s TP52.

The multihull fleet is equally impressive. Cat+Ion, Graham Catley’s 18.5-metre Roger Hill catamaran, returns alongside Aventador, a 2024 Maera 40 catamaran skippered by Stephen Bull and the newest design in the race. Ocean’s Tribute, Australian skipper Guy Chester’s 12.2-metre Crowther 40 trimaran, was built in New Zealand in 1991 and has since roamed the globe under five owners. Since purchasing her in 2020, Chester has campaigned the high-performance multihull at events worldwide. Her entry adds extra excitement to this year’s race, bridging the legacy of early Kiwi multihull pioneers with the new generation of fast offshore cats and tris.  In total there are five 8.5 metre multihulls entered, hightlighing the depth and diversity of the fleet.

At the other end of the design spectrum sits the modern classic Innismara, a 1969 Bernie Schmidt design restored by young Kiwi sailors. Beautifully rebuilt and lovingly campaigned, she stands as proof that youth and tradition can thrive side by side — a bridge between the race’s origins and its future.

That spirit of youth runs deep in this year’s event. Few stories capture it better than Josh “Boo-Boo” Tucker, racing Wild Thing, a Young 8.4, with his son Luke among the crew. Their friendly rivalry continues with fellow Volvo Ocean Race veteran Phil Jameson, skippering Kick with his sons Harry and Max.

For Casey and Justine Bellingham aboard Fez, last year’s win has sparked fresh motivation. With a new sail plan and a crew blending experience and youth from GHYC, they’re ready to defend their title. After last year’s handicap win, Fez moves up to Division 1b to take on faster rivals Clockwork and Alegre. 

“It’s a handicap race for us,” Casey says. “The goal is simple -  sail well and have fun.”

Clockwork, Steve Mair’s Bakewell-White 36, is renowned for her precision tuning and tight, tactical racing; while Alegre, a 2012 Soto 40 skippered by Vaughan Clarke, brings performance pedigree to the start line.

“It’s fantastic to see international teams joining the fleet alongside some of New Zealand’s best,” says Adrian Percival, Commodore of the NZMYC. “The mix of world-class talent and Kiwi determination means we could see something special this year - maybe even a record.”

“There’s nothing else quite like it,” adds John Chandler, Chief Client and Commercial Officer at PIC Insurance Brokers. “Hundreds of boats, sailors from around the world, and a coastline that never loses its magic - the PIC Coastal Classic is a celebration of who we are as Kiwis, and we’re proud to keep backing it.”

When the starting cannon fires off Devonport on Thursday 24 October, more than 100 boats are expected to set sail for Russell. From grand prix maxis to pocket cruisers, they’ll race through day and night driven by wind, tradition, and a shared passion for the sea. More than four decades after Roger Dilley’s original idea, the essence of the race remains unchanged: a celebration of seamanship, speed, and the enduring Kiwi love of the ocean.

The full list of entries available here