Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race planned for 2021

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Australia and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) have together announced that they will join forces to host the Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race 2021.

Beginning at Sydney Harbour on 30^th January 2021, the race will see competitors traverse 1,250 nautical miles before reaching the finish line at Auckland Harbour in time to help the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron celebrate its 150^th Anniversary and enjoy the 36^th Americas Cup.

Offshore cruising and racing yachts will join superyachts and other ocean-racing multihulls for the challenging Category 1 race, and there will also be a rally incorporated for cruisers who are keen to compete without pushing the limits of the race boats. Known for their historic rivalry, the clubs are hoping to attract sailors and skippers from both sides of the Tasman Sea.

Helping to prepare owners and crew in advance of the race, RPAYC will be hosting seminars to get everyone as prepared as possible. Speaking on the topic, Leon Wilson, Rear Commodore Cruising of the RPAYC, said, “We have great experience organising extended cruises, having recently organised a cruise to Tasmania and the Coral Coast. The programme of seminars and access to experienced skippers enables those that are new to distance cruising and racing to get the assistance and support from those that know the challenges. We already have some interest and it is generating a bit of a buzz among our fleet.”

The end of the race also corresponds with the 150^th anniversary of the RNZYS, the current home of the America’s Cup trophy. New Zealand is defending the Cup in 2021, with the America’s Cup Match, presented by Prada, to take place from 6^th-21^st March. RPAYC Commodore Michael Lockley said, “Having recently been at the helm for the 150th Anniversary of the RPAYC, the opportunity to join our great friends at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to celebrate theirs is going to be fabulous.”

Aaron Young, RNZYS Vice Commodore, also said of the upcoming event, “It [2021] is a massive year for us at the RNZYS and will certainly go down as the biggest year in our history. It is fantastic to be able to get the Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race back on the sailing calendar and we are already incredibly impressed with the high calibre of yachts that have expressed their interest.”

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