Not Everyone Wants to Race… and That’s Perfectly OK!

Not everyone wants to spend 119 nautical miles glued to sail trim, watching the compass like a hawk and trying to squeeze another tenth of a knot out of the boat.

Some people prefer to actually enjoy the trip.

Coffee in the cockpit. Lunch without balancing a sandwich in one hand and a winch handle in the other. Maybe a swim stop. A few laughs with friends. Arriving in Russell without wondering how many places you lost on the final gybe.

If that sounds more like your idea of a long weekend, then the PIC Coastal Classic Rally is calling your name.

The Rally is designed for production and cruising yachts that want to be part of New Zealand’s biggest offshore sailing weekend… just without the racing bit.

You’ll still sail north with PIC Coastal Classic fleet of boats, you’ll still finish in beautiful Russell, and still enjoy all the social events, afterparty and prizegiving. The only thing missing is the pressure.

Choose Your Adventure

Race Rally – Friday 23 October

Want the buzz of the start without worrying about who crosses the finish line first?

Depart from Auckland before the race fleet and cruise north at your own pace. You’ll arrive in Russell alongside the excitement, but without having spent the day trying to beat everyone else.

It’s all the atmosphere, with none of the stress.

Two-Day Rally via Marsden Cove

If you’ve ever thought, “Why rush?” this one’s for you.

Head north on Thursday from Auckland or your home port, spend the night at Marsden Cove (berths are provided), then enjoy dinner or drinks with fellow rally participants before setting off on Friday morning to cruise the final leg into Russell alongside the race fleet.

It’s less about the stopwatch and more about the stories you’ll tell afterwards.

Easy, Relaxed Sailing

The Rally has been designed to keep things simple.

• Category 3 boats are welcome.

• No PHRF required.

• Engines can be used (subject to the conditions in the Notice of Race).

• Spinnakers are entirely optional.

• A tracker keeps everyone visible for safety and lets friends follow your journey.

• Best of all, you’ll have access to all the Russell social events with everyone else.

You may not even need additional insurance for the Rally, but it’s worth checking your policy or speaking with your broker before entering.

Sailing Is About More Than Racing

The PIC Coastal Classic has always been about getting out on the water and heading north with good people. For some, that means chasing records and podiums.

For others, it means creating memories with family, introducing the kids to offshore sailing, catching up with mates, or simply enjoying one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal passages.

The PIC Coastal Classic Rally celebrates that side of sailing.

Whether you’re bringing the family, a group of friends, your work crew, or simply escaping for a long weekend afloat, you’ll still be part of the PIC Coastal Classic experience.

Get Involved!