No more FOMO - Entries are open for 2025

Entries are now officially open for the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, New Zealand’s biggest and most iconic coastal yacht race. With many sailors overseas in Barcelona for the America’s Cup and some tricky spring conditions in 2024, anticipation is high for a big turnout this October Labour weekend.

And the fleet could have an extra spark of star power this year - with Wild Thing, the legendary Australian super maxi, tipped to take the start line. At 30 metres (98 feet), Wild Thing is a serious contender with an impressive track record in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Her appearance in the PIC Coastal Classic would be a showstopping moment, bringing trans-Tasman prestige and a new level of speed and spectacle to the race.

“We know a number of regulars were in Barcelona supporting the America’s Cup last year, and the weather didn’t exactly play ball either,” says Adrian Percival, Commodore of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. “This year, with the Cup behind us and a bit of FOMO in the air, we’re expecting a strong showing across all divisions. There’s a real buzz about being back on the start line.”

In a move to simplify and streamline the event, organisers have introduced a flat entry fee across all divisions for 2025. It’s part of a wider effort to make the race more accessible and easier to plan for, whether you're a seasoned skipper or lining up for your first crack at the iconic 119 nautical mile course.

“We want to make it easier for everyone to enter, whether they’re in a rally cruising boat or a top-flight racing yacht,” says Percival. “Everyone sails the same distance, and this change just levels the playing field a little more while helping us cover the growing costs of running the event.”

The PIC Coastal Classic will take place on Friday, 24 October 2025, with boats departing from Devonport Wharf and racing up the East Coast to Russell in the Bay of Islands. From multihulls to monohulls, from club crews to offshore veterans - the stage is set for an unforgettable race.

Enter here.