Trans-Tasman Yacht Race: Sydney to auckland / 1,270nm / 7 - 22 Oct 2025

16 days / cat 1 yacht race / EVENT #2539 / merit: CREW positions available

Overview

For just the second time in decades we will see a fully crewed Category 1 yacht race from Australia to New Zealand. The race will start on Sydney Harbour and finish in the Auckland Harbour. This challenging race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts in the IRC and PHS divisions.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) are excited to announce their partnership for the 1,270nm Sydney to Auckland event.

With our skippers having sailed across the Tasman Sea more than 20 times (twice solo), we know from personal experience that this race will be one of the toughest and uniquest ocean races on the world offshore calendar in 2025. With nothing but open ocean from the bottom of Australia and New Zealand to Antartica; 1,000nm to the south, the ocean swell can build rapidly in height, with no land to stop it for more than 2,500nm until it hits the shores of the Pacific Islands.

There are many reasons why more people have climbed Mount Everest than have sailed across the Tasman Sea and the rapidly changing nature of the Tasman Sea's weather system is one of them.

We'll assemble in Sydney on the 24th of February, giving us 4-5 days of crew preparation, training drills and final checks. It promises to be a unique experience from the moment you land in Sydney to the time you sail into Auckland, the city of sails and current home of the Americas Cup.

Passage plan

Crew registration

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

Expedition Description

Sydney

Sydney, Australia's largest and most iconic city, is a prime destination for sailors, blending rich history with vibrant modernity. Founded in 1788 as a penal colony, Sydney has grown into a bustling metropolis known for its stunning harbour and world-famous landmarks. Sailing into Sydney Harbour offers unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most recognisable structures in the world. The harbour is dotted with secluded coves and pristine beaches, perfect for anchoring and exploring. The historic Rocks district, with its cobblestone streets and colonial-era pubs, provides a glimpse into the city’s past. For those looking to experience the natural beauty of Sydney, the nearby Manly and Bondi beaches offer excellent surfing and sunbathing opportunities. The city's diverse culinary scene, cultural festivals, and lively nightlife ensure that there's always something to do. Sydney's unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and urban sophistication makes it an essential stop for any sailing adventure.

Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a vibrant hub that offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland is renowned for its maritime heritage and the stunning Waitematā Harbour, which is always bustling with yachts and boats. The city's history dates back to its founding in 1840, and it has since grown into a diverse and cosmopolitan metropolis. Sailing into Auckland Harbour provides breathtaking views of the city skyline, dominated by the iconic Sky Tower. The waterfront areas, such as the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, are filled with trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, making them perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the local cuisine. Auckland is also a gateway to the beautiful Hauraki Gulf and its numerous islands, each offering unique experiences from wine tasting on Waiheke Island to exploring the volcanic landscapes of Rangitoto Island. With its dynamic mix of urban excitement, rich history, and natural beauty, Auckland is a must-visit destination for sailors exploring New Zealand.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Dining out

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Weather impact

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

Extra reading

• Past events

• Why sail with us?

Additional media

• Check out photo gallery highlights from previous ocean races and passages.

• Download the Notice of Race

Previous qualifying event

A Trans-Tasman Race on a Volvo 60 such as Merit, is a serious undertaking. To be eligible to join the race crew for this event, you will need to complete a regatta, Cat 2 ocean race or passage onboard Merit in the 12 months prior to the Trans-Tasman Race event. This will help you build your skills and confidence as crew on Merit and ensure that this event is the right next step for you. You can book you qualifying event at a later date, as long as its completed prior the Trans-Tasman Race.

itinerary

You can fly directly into Sydney Airport on the 7th of October 2025. Our crew will officially assemble that evening and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the 8th of October we'll meet for breakfast and start our process of running through checks, training drills, allocating crew roles and completing final preparations. It’s recommended that you arrange accomodation ashore from 7 - 11 October due to limited space onboard during final boat and race preparation in the days leading up to the start. We'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment. The start for this race is staggered so that the yachts arrive in Auckland close together. We anticipate a start on the 11th of October.

It’s a 7 - 10 day sail to Auckland depending on weather conditions and wind direction and arrival is expected on the 18th-20th of October. You are welcome to stay onboard on arrival into Auckland, but its recommended due to limited space that you arrange accomodation ashore, especially if staying on in Auckland for any length of time.

When we arrive in Auckland at the RNZYS, we'll tie up at the marina, clear customs and the head to the RNZYS to join the post race festivities. You should plan to fly out of Auckland after midday on the 22nd of October. It’s expected most of our crew plan to stay on and enjoy a few days in Auckland at the end of the race, as its likely to be a celebration you will never forget.

• Arrive at the vessel in Sydney by 4pm on 7/10/25

• Crew welcome dinner on 7/10/25

• Crew training and safety familiarisation 8-10/10/25

• Race start Sydney 11/10/25

• Arrive in Auckland 18-20/10/25

• Crew farewell dinner following arrival

• Depart Auckland on 22/10/25

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard, crew meals ashore in Sydney and Auckland (on arrival), your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, an Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew jacket, marina fees, race entry fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream. 

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 2 months prior.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.

Review sailing calendar for all events