Race postponed
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron have postponed the Moonen Yachts Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race until January 2022.
16 September 2020
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Organsiers of the Moonen Yachts Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race have made the decision to suspend the race until next year.
“The restrictions of movement, immigration and quarantine requirements around the Covid-19 pandemic have meant that the race is just not viable in January 2021,” explained Allen Stormon Commodore of RPAYC.
“The race was fantastically well received throughout the world, with 20 confirmed entries already and over 100 expressions of interest received from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Europe and Asia, however everyone has been very understanding of the situation and for many it had already become impossible.”
The anticipation of an ocean race of 1250-nautical-miles between these two sailing cities had attracted great interest from sailors in the lead up to the 36th America’s Cup the other events surrounding the 150th Anniversary of the RNZYS.
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“The RNZYS is obviously disappointed this cannot proceed at this time, but also excited about the long term future of the race which no doubt will become iconic,” said RNZYS Vice Commodore Aaron Young.
The idea of an offshore circuit in the southern hemisphere has proven very exciting. The clubs expect interest in a combination of the 2021 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, the 2022 Sydney to Auckland Race, a return race to Australia or via New Caledonia, finishing off with Hamilton Island Race Week to continue to generate international entries.
The major sponsor for the 2021 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race was Moonen Yachts. Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club members Matthew and Louise Baxter, owners of Moonen Yachts, are expected to continue their support for the rescheduled race in 2022.
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