The first running of the Trans-Tasman Yacht Race between Sydney and Auckland has been called off days out from the start, after the withdrawal of the majority of entries.
The 1,270 nautical mile (2,352km) race was set down for a February 27 start, finishing off the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland.
The race had been listed as the third and final leg of the Southern Cross Series, including the Cabbage Tree Island Race and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
However the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on Tuesday announced the postponement of the blue-water race.
In a statement, the CYCA said that due to the withdrawal of nine of the 11 entries — a number due to damage in other races this summer — the event was no longer “operationally viable”.
Sydney to Hobart day one
Among the withdrawals were URM Group, a leading contender for line honours and overall victory in the 2025 Sydney to Hobart.
URM Group was one of many boats forced to retire from last year’s race, sustaining bulkhead damage.
It is understood the boat was unable to be repaired in time for the trans-Tasman event.
CYCA commodore Sam Haynes said that while the outcome was disappointing, postponing the event was “the most responsible decision” for the club.
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“We pride ourselves on running high-profile competitive events and we believe the late reduction in this fleet does not reflect that,” Haynes said.
“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.”
No new date has been set. The CYCA said a date would be considered after a strategic review.
