With 150 days to go, the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) says the 38th PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Auckland to Russell is on, starting from Devonport Wharf on Friday 23 October.

Organisers are now accepting online entries for the 119nm challenge.

“It’s refreshing to have something to look forward to after a bleak last few months, unsure of when we’d get back on the water and in what capacity,” says NZMYC commodore Greer Houston. “We’ve certainly noticed the pent-up demand within our community and will do whatever we need to make this year another great one – on and off the water.”

Last year was one of the event’s fastest. “Not only was a new race record set of 5hr 37s, but every boat that finished did so in less than 20 hours,” says Greer. “After such a memorable race in favourable conditions, we hope everybody will be quick to put their hand up to do it again.”

In 2019 Beau Geste, the internationally-registered mod 70 trimaran, led the fleet of 175 yachts to set a new race record. Due to recent travel restrictions, Beau Geste has remained in New Zealand and is expected on the start line to give it another crack this year.

The race’s primary sponsor is PIC Insurance Brokers.