Trans-Tasman Yacht Race: Sydney to auckland

16 days / cat 1 yacht race / 1,270nm

Overview

Set sail on one of the most demanding and exhilarating blue water yacht races in the Southern Hemisphere – the Sydney to Auckland Trans-Tasman Yacht Race. In 2025, for only the second time in decades, a fully crewed Category 1 offshore yacht race will connect two of the world’s greatest sailing cities: Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. Organised by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), this 1,270-nautical-mile challenge is open to both racing and cruising divisions under IRC and PHS.

Competing aboard Awen—our high-performance IMOCA Open 60 and former round-the-world racing yacht—this passage promises a true test of offshore sailing skill. With skippers who have crossed the Tasman Sea over 20 times (including two solo passages), you’ll be in experienced hands for what is widely considered one of the most difficult ocean crossings in the world. Expect long ocean swells, fast-changing weather, and no landfall for over 2,500 nautical miles south to Antarctica. It’s remote, raw, and relentlessly powerful—offering a racing experience like no other.

Your adventure begins with 3–4 days of crew training, safety drills, weather routing preparation, and team building in Sydney Harbour, before you join the international racing fleet for a spectacular start from one of the most iconic harbours on Earth. You’ll finish in Auckland, the City of Sails, where celebrations await as you cross the finish line into the home of the America’s Cup.

Race overview

As the race gets underway, yachts charge out through Sydney Heads, cheered on by a flotilla of spectator boats and the dramatic backdrop of the city skyline. From there, it's straight into bluewater mode. The Tasman Sea quickly asserts itself, with complex weather systems, rolling ocean swells, and fast-changing sea states keeping every crew on high alert. This is a race where preparation, coordination, and resilience are paramount. Crews will experience the full spectrum of offshore conditions—from moonlit calm to storm-force gusts—and must be ready to adapt quickly to shifting winds, rogue swells, and squall lines.

This stretch of ocean is infamous for its remoteness. With no landfall for more than 2,500 nautical miles to the south, the Tasman Sea channels swell energy from the Southern Ocean, creating large, rolling waves and long fetches that challenge boat handling and endurance. While these conditions can be intense, they also provide thrilling high-speed sailing aboard Awen, our powerful IMOCA Open 60, designed for offshore performance and built to thrive in exactly this kind of environment.

Days are spent trimming sails, surfing swells, and making strategic navigation decisions, while nights are lit by brilliant stars, glowing phosphorescence in the wake, and the quiet rhythm of watches rotating around the clock. Wildlife sightings add to the awe, from pods of dolphins riding the bow wave to albatross wheeling in the breeze. Whether pushing for line honours or holding steady under pressure, every crew member will walk away with new experience, deeper skills, and unforgettable memories.

As New Zealand draws near and Auckland Harbour comes into view, emotions run high. After days at sea, the sight of Rangitoto Island and the Auckland city skyline signals the final stretch—and a triumphant conclusion to one of the world’s great bluewater races. Crossing the finish line is not just about results; it's about completing a serious ocean challenge, rising to the conditions, and finishing as a stronger, more united crew.

Once docked at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the celebrations begin. The local sailing community rolls out a warm welcome, and the post-race festivities are a highlight in themselves—offering a chance to connect with fellow competitors, share stories over a drink, and reflect on the intensity and achievement of the race. From prize-giving to waterfront dinners, Auckland comes alive with a spirit of camaraderie and celebration that only an event of this magnitude can deliver.

Whether you're looking to test your limits, log serious offshore miles, or experience the prestige of one of the rare Trans-Tasman races, the Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race is a world-class event that blends adventure, challenge, and celebration in one epic ocean passage. Join us aboard Awen for the ride of a lifetime.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

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