The 2026 PIC Coastal Classic is shaping up as a tactical marathon, with a light wind forecast promising to test patience, preparation and mental stamina across the full 119 nautical miles from Auckland to Russell. Starting from 0930 on Friday 23rd October, this year’s edition looks set to reward the crews who sweat the small stuff.
“You’re going to get a lot of yachting!” laughed Mike Sanderson from Doyle Sails after PredictWind’s Nick Olson delivered a long-range forecast at the Forecast and Tactics Clinic. Nick noted a 12-hour variation in projected finish times for the leading boat, drawing a mix of laughter and genuine shock from the assembled sailors.
With conditions expected to stay light throughout, concentration will be everything. Mike urged competitors to focus on preparation, starting with a clean hull. “You can get half a knot more speed if you ensure your hull is clean before the race,” he said. “Preparation is the key for a race like the Coastal. And the only thing you should ever add weight to is a steam roller.”
For a light airs race, Mike suggested trimming crew numbers and leaving unnecessary weight on the dock. “Send a message out to your crew! Anyone who’s not excited about a max speed of 7 knots, get them to drive the car up!” he laughed. Even sails that won’t suit the conditions should stay ashore. Doyle Sails built a new Jibtop for Rehab specifically for this race, but with the sail designed for 15-plus knots, it won’t be making the trip. “Carry light gear — weight will make a significant difference. Anything you can do without compromising the comfort and safety of the crew, leave behind.”
Routing for a First 44.7 suggests an elapsed time of around 20 hours, with a likely finish between 5am and 6am on Saturday 24th October. The forecast, issued four days out, indicates generally benign conditions with maximum gusts of around 14 knots and no rain, thunderstorms or severe weather expected. A southwesterly breeze of 7 to 10 knots should offer a downwind opening, allowing boats to run under asymmetric or spinnaker through the harbour and into the Hauraki Gulf.
While the forecast remains subject to change, the early picture is clear: this PIC Coastal Classic is unlikely to be won through raw speed alone. The crews that connect the pressure, anticipate the shifts and execute clean sail changes will be best placed to succeed.
“It’s going to be an interesting race!” said Mike as he wrapped up his tactical take on the great race north. “We have a tendency as Kiwis to go 110%, then fall to 40%. Just chip away.”
Remember, the PIC Coastal Classic is more of a marathon rather than a sprint — especially this year. Nick Olson from PredictWind will provide a more up-to-date forecast at the briefing on Thursday 22nd October, while Doyle Sails will shout the first 100 yachties a free burger to kick the night off.
In other sailing news, thirty years after an all-women crew challenged the conventions of sailing’s most prestigious competition, the story of Mighty Mary is coming to New Zealand with a special premiere at Takapuna Beachside Cinemas next month. Meanwhile, Yachting New Zealand’s high-performance team has been helping young sailors build their skills and experience, with recent coaching clinics in the 49erFX, Starling and ILCA 6 classes providing opportunities to learn from experienced coaches and elite athletes.
