PIC Coastal Classic 2025 – Auckland to Russell
The 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, New Zealand’s iconic coastal yacht race, is back for Labour Weekend. This year’s race departs from Devonport Wharf on Friday 24 October, with the fleet tackling a challenging 119-nautical-mile course north to Russell in the Bay of Islands.
Already with 66 yachts confirmed, the entry list features a strong mix of returning competitors and ambitious newcomers.
This race is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of Kiwi sailing, testing skill, strategy, and endurance across changing coastal conditions. Whether you’re watching the start off Devonport or following the fleet’s progress up the Hauraki Gulf, it promises to be a spectacle not to miss.
For more info, to follow live updates or check the entry list, visit the official PIC Coastal Classic website.
Learn to Sail at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
Know someone who wants to try sailing? The RNZYS Adult Learn to Sail Course is a Yachting New Zealand internationally recognised Level 1 programme, taught by qualified instructors in a supportive, hands-on environment. Designed for beginners, these hands-on weekend courses cover all the essentials – from boat handling and safety to terminology and crewing – giving participants the confidence to helm and crew a keelboat.
📆 November course: Find out more and register.
📆 December course: Find out more and register.
Melbourne Cup at the RNZYS
Celebrate the race that stops two nations! Join the RNZYS on Tuesday 4 November for a Melbourne Cup watch party with style. Wear your favourite fascinator, back your favourite horse, and enjoy the fun atmosphere right on the harbour.
🎟️ Details and tickets: Melbourne Cup at RNZYS.
Ponsonby Cruising Club events
Save the date!
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta – 26 January 2026
Information about this event can be found on the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta website.
Auckland Boat Show – 5-8 March 2026
Information about this event can be found on the Auckland Boat Show website.
SailGP 2026 tickets on sale now
General public tickets are on sale now for next February's (14–15 February) ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland!
Returning after a record-breaking debut this year, 2026 is set to be even bigger with a larger grandstand on Auckland’s Wynyard Point. Be there when this world-class event transforms Auckland into the City of SailGP this summer.
Tickets are already selling fast – grab yours via SailGP.
Moana Auckland returns in 2026
Auckland’s waterfront will come alive once again as Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, returns for its third edition in 2026. Running from 28 February to 15 March, the festival will deliver three weekends of ocean-inspired celebrations, capturing the spirit of summer and the cultural heartbeat of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Programme highlights already announced include the Seafood & Summer Weekend, the ever-popular Z Manu World Champs at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool, and the Auckland Boat Show — celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival also returns, showcasing more than 200 heritage vessels and maritime stories that connect us to our shared past. Adding a dash of surprise, Red Bull will host a “secret event” on the harbour, with more details to come.
From kai to culture, heritage to high-energy spectacle, Moana Auckland 2026 promises to be a summer highlight, celebrating the ocean that connects us all.
Learn more on the Moana Auckland website.