Trans-Tasman delayed

A dramatic drop in fleet numbers has forced organisers to call off the Trans-Tasman Yacht Race until further notice.

25 February 2026

The CYCA has confirmed the postponement of the upcoming Trans-Tasman Yacht Race following a sharp reduction in teams from the event.

Following the withdrawal over the last four weeks of nine of the 11 entries for various reasons, including damage sustained in other races this summer, it has been determined that the event is not operationally viable.

CYCA Commodore Dr Sam Haynes said: “While we are disappointed in this outcome, postponing the event after all of the late withdrawals is the most responsible decision for our Club.

Dr Sam Haynes' Celestial was among the yachts registered for the inaugural 1,270 nautical mile race.

Nine of the 11 entries had withdrawn for various reasons, including damage sustained in other races over summer.

“We pride ourselves on running high-profile competitive events and we believe the late reduction in this fleet does not reflect that.”

He added: “We remain committed to offshore racing and to developing new racing opportunities that have strong participant and stakeholder support.

“We’d like to thank those Members and Owners that had entered the race for their support and also acknowledge our finish partner, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.”

After a strategic review, a new start date for the race will be considered and communicated in due course.

The Trans-Tasman Yacht Race, which spans 1,270 nautical miles across the Tasman Sea, was originally set to start on 27 February 2026.

cyca.com.au

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