Anticipation builds for CYCA’s inaugural Trans-Tasman Yacht Race

Home 2026 Anticipation builds for CYCA’s inaugural Trans-Tasman Yacht Race

Usually, the Australian summer offshore sailing season winds down in February. But a new challenge, which has attracted sailors from near and far, will extend the joy for offshore sailing enthusiasts into March.

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27 January 2026 at 1:19 pm

A CYCA initiative, the Trans-Tasman Yacht Race is the third and final race of the Southern Cross Series. The opening two races were the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore’s (ACSBWPS) Cabbage Tree Island Race on 5 December 2025, and the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race that began on Boxing Day.

Sumatra will compete in the 2026 Trans-Tasman Yacht Race – ROLEX/Andrea Francolini pic.

The series concludes with the 1270-nautical-mile race, which starts from Sydney Harbour on 27 February. With staggered starts over three days and a finish at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, this landmark race confirms a strong partnership between two of the Southern Hemisphere’s most celebrated sailing clubs.

Entries for what is billed to be a thrilling offshore adventure remain open until 1700 hours on Friday 30 January. The opportunity is there for sailors to test their skills in the Tasman Sea, tackle new challenges and enjoy the journey.

Annie Stevenson who will be on board Titlespace Yeah Baby said:

“Race prep is fully under way, and I’ve been running the campaign like a work project - using a project board to break down the logistics - which has really helped manage the short turnaround from the Hobart race on board First Light. I’ve enjoyed having a new focus so early in the year, and getting to know Titlespace Yeah Baby with my co-skipper Peter Winter is an exciting challenge.

"All of the Class40s are set up differently, so getting up to speed with her systems and back into double-handed sailing has been an exciting process to get stuck into."