The 2025 PIC Coastal Classic will again send yachts north from Devonport to Russell this Labour Weekend, adding another chapter to a race that’s part of Kiwi sailing DNA. Since 1982, this 119-nautical-mile sprint has delivered records, rivalries and heartbreak, with everything from pro crews to family boats testing their mettle along the coast.
A race built on icons
Few local events have shaped the used-boat market like the Coastal. Early winners such as Krisis, Split Enz and Afterburner proved what multihull speed could do, while monohulls like Fidelis and V5 kept keelboat fans inspired. Some of these designs, and their close relatives, still appear on brokerage lists, offering buyers the chance to own a boat with genuine race pedigree.
Records set by Alfa Romeo (2009) and TeamVodafone Sailing (2011 and 2014) made global headlines, but the real legacy lies in the dozens of production yachts that have lined up year after year. From Farr 1020s to Young 88s, these designs remain popular second-hand purchases precisely because they’re proven performers in New Zealand conditions.
Recent memories
Last year, 67 yachts started and 39 finished. The Rapido 60 trimaran Romanza took line honours, followed by Levity and Equilibrium. On handicap, the Warwick 50 Fez — built in kauri and lovingly maintained — was the standout, showing that a classic hull with good care and smart sailing can still outshine newer rivals. It’s exactly this kind of story that keeps interest strong in well-built used yachts.
Looking to 2025
The 2025 edition begins Friday 24 October with divisions for multis, monos, no-extras sailors and even a new rally format. Backed by Charlie Bravo Boat Co., the rally lets cruisers join the adventure either in a direct Friday run or with a relaxed overnight stop at Marsden Cove. Safety remains central, with Cat 3 certification, PLBs or EPIRBs, and PredictWind tracking required for every entry.
It’s all about Tradeaboat!
For anyone browsing Tradeaboat listings, the Coastal Classic highlights why certain yachts hold their value. Proven offshore capability, smart layouts, and reputations built over decades make designs like the Farr 1020, Ross 930, or Davidson 40 perennial favourites. Add in the occasional classic like Steinlager II or Fez appearing in private hands, and the connection between this race and the used-boat market is clear.
Whether chasing line honours or simply joining the rally, the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic reminds us that buying a boat with history means buying into a living tradition.