RNZYS – OPENING DAY 26th September 2026

Opening Day

“What a stonker!” was the verdict from the crews that braved the conditions for Saturdays Opening Day with RNZYS

An overcast day, showers and 15–20 knots gusting up to 30 made for a proper blow. The sort of conditions that have you checking the forecast twice, looking at the boat, and wondering, “Are we really doing this?”

Five classics lined up on the start line, with the forecast nudging firmly into the “this could get interesting” territory. And interesting it certainly was.  Everyone was kept thoroughly occupied, testing the crews on every point of sail, calling for all of the wardrobe to be hoisted or changed. There was plenty of trimming and suspect there was the occasional enthusiastic instruction from the cockpit!

“Exhilarating” was heard to describe the day — a pretty good summary of the crews challenge with the combination of big breeze, shifting wind to keep their  classic beauty powered up and pointed in the right direction.

The course took the fleet from Orakei Buoy to Northern Leading Buoy, on to Rough Rock Buoy, across to Rangitoto, over to Bastion Buoy, then back to Bayswater Buoy for the finish. A tidy 12.5 miles.

Rawhiti led the fleet around the course, with Ariki, clearly enjoying her favoured conditions, steadily nibbling away at the gap. By the finish, Ariki had hauled herself to within just 1 minute 33 seconds — a cracking chase.

And nobody was hanging around. All five boats finished within 20 minutes of each other, making for a very tidy fleet finish.

So, a proper classic-boat blast to kick off the season: big breeze, big sails, plenty of spray, plenty of excitement and a few very big grins.

Not a bad way to start the season. In fact… a good stonker!

Handicap Placings

1   ARAMOANA     

2   ARIKI

3   RAINBOW

4   RAWHITI     (1st on  Line)

5   IDA