Lucky claims line honours in the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic

Russell, Bay of Islands — Saturday 25 October 2025, 03:22 a.m.

After a 17-hour, 22-minute, and 55-second (to be officially validated) race north, Lucky (Doyle Sails Division 1A) has crossed the finish line in Russell to claim line honours in the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic.

The 2014 27-metre Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed maxi, owned and skippered by Bryon Ehrhart, left Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour at 1000 hrs yesterday morning (24 October 2025) and led the fleet almost from the outset. Conditions were fair throughout the race, with the light morning breeze turning into patchy, fluctuating winds as the fleet worked up the Northland coast.

Lucky passed Flat Rock at 12:55 p.m., Sail Rock at 4:09 p.m., and Cape Brett at 1:39 a.m., maintaining a steady lead over Callisto and Mayhem from start to finish. At one point, she reportedly reached speeds of around 21.4 knots, though unofficially may have touched higher.

Behind Lucky, the battle for the next few places remains close, with Doyle Sails Division 1A crews Callisto, Mayhem, and Wired all pressing toward Russell as the night wears on. Final handicap results will be confirmed once the full fleet completes the course.

Crew have arrived tired but pleased to have won one of New Zealand's most iconic races.

Callisto leads Mayhem around the Cape Brett mark; Mayhem's recorded time was 0510 hrs (barely 9 minutes ago). Their finish will be imminent. The rest of the 1A fleet, and the 1B fleet are right behind in a pack, close together. It's all excitement here at Russell.

For live tracking, photos, and overnight updates, visit www.coastalclassic.co.nz.