RACING PROGRAMME

The RNZYS offers a large number of sailing events and series throughout the year which encompasses all yacht and boating types. From the elite of world sailing to the novice newly graduated from our Sailing School, there is a series or event to suit.

Here at the Squadron you can go sailing nearly every day of the week in almost any sort of keel boat and multihull, from the one design fleets of the Elliott 7s, Young 88s, Stewart 34s, and MRXs, to mixed fleets of the Doyle Sails Wednesday & Doyle Sails Winter Series and Havana Club Rum Races. With the exception of the 36 Degrees Brokers Commodore’s Cup Series and the PIC Insurance Brokers Cruising Series, Squadron racing is open to members of any yacht club (different entry fees apply to non-members).

There is perhaps less competitive sailing to be found on weekends in the club calendar than might initially be expected, but that is by design, allowing time on the water for our Mastercard

Youth Training Programme or Performance Programme members and giving our many talented sailors the opportunity to carry the RNZYS colours at home and abroad in national and international competition, as so many of them invariably do with distinction throughout the year.

The following is an outline of the racing calendar enjoyed at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. It is a busy programme but has something for everyone all throughout the season!

Summer Season Opening Day

Very much a social event to herald the start of the new season, with off-water entertainment, a mark foy yacht race, live music and food and beverage offerings.

36 Degrees Brokers Commodore’s Cup Series

Five prestigious races spread throughout the season including a Friday Night Race to Kawau Island and a round-the-island race the following day.

Westhaven Triple Series

The Westhaven Triple Series is run in conjunction with the Ponsonby Cruising Club and the Richmond Yacht Club. The series incorporates 36 Degrees Brokers Commodores Cup Races; Race 1 Round Rangitoto, Race 2 Night Race to Kawau, and Race 5 Haystack Race.

All 36 Degrees Brokers Commodores Cup Series entrants are automatically entered into the Westhaven Triple Series.

Havana Club Rum Race Series

Racing every Friday night all year round with four seasonal series. As well as competitive racing, there are spot prizes, special dress-up parties at the end of each series, and a post-race party in the Dinghy Locker after every race. A great mix of racing and socialising.

Barfoot & Thompson Ladies Series

Held on alternate Tuesdays during the summer season, with up to four races a day and featuring Harbour and windward/leeward courses.

Doyle Sails Wednesday Series

The largest Wednesday sailing series in New Zealand. Racing is held every other Wednesday throughout the summer season on Harbour Courses.

Etchell Sprints

The one design Etchells class provides great racing and is held nearly every Tuesday evening during the summer season.

Elliott 7 Sprint Series

Held on alternate Thursday evenings during the summer season in the Squadrons fleet of Elliott 7 keelboats.

North Sails Young 88 Sprints

Windward leeward racing in the popular one design Young 88’s, with racing held every alternate Thursday throughout the summer season.

Stewart 34 Championship Series

Windward leeward racing in the classic one design Stewart 34’s, with racing held every alternate Monday evening throughout the summer season.

Stewart 34 Collinson-Forex Harbour Race

A weekend harbour race for Stewart 34s to round out their racing season with both a spinnaker and non-spinnaker division to choose from.

CBRE Club Champion Series

The most prestigious award of all, going to the best performing sailors in their respective series throughout the season. Each divisional CBRE Club Championship winner will qualify for the CBRE Club Championship Finals.

Doyle Sails Winter Series

For the hardy and dedicated sailors who wish to enjoy year-round racing, a ten-race Saturday series run every other Saturday afternoon during winter.

All races can be entered online through the Squadron website. For more club racing information visit: www.rnzys.org.nz/clubracing