Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race Day 4 - Lucky claims line honours but race still on
by Di Pearson / Sydney to Auckland media 14 Oct 02:28 BST
14 October 2025
Bryon Ehrhart's Lucky has claimed line honours and broken the race record in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A) earlier this morning, crossing the finish line at 9.20.27.26am AEDT (just after 11.27am New Zealand time) finishing the race in 2d 20h 27 minutes 7 seconds (full release with quotes to follow), but the race is still on for the rest.
A night and morning of mixed blessings in the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's (RPAYC) biannual 1250 nautical mile race, with wet and wild rides thrown together with a magical sunrise, warmth, rainbows and hearty meals. Good boat speeds with competitions to see who can produce the highest numbers are bringing the yachts closer to their quarry - the finish line off Royal Akarana Yacht Club, co-host of the race.
Janease Graham reported from Ian Edwards' Dehler 46, Wings (NSW): "After a fun night with the G4, two reefs in the main coasting in 25 to 30 knots and catching waves, Wings is cruising along with our A5 up. It was a very enjoyable night and day. We were treated to the most beautiful sky of brilliant stars last night.
"There are still lots of delicious meals in the freezer thanks to the lovely Lindy Edwards (Ian's wife who is not aboard). Compliments to the chef on an amazing vegetarian pasta," she said.
On Mick Martin's TP52, which is doing a good job of trying to catch Antipodes, just 8nm in front of them, Jane Roberts told of life on board.
"Good morning from Frantic! We've had a wet and wild night powering along, surfing waves. We hit a new best boat speed for the race of 27.3 knots. Malcolm Dean, our 2IC, was at the helm. We're excited to be getting closer to New Zealand,"
"Last night and this morning it was a hive of activity on Geoff Hill's Antipodes (HKG) - but there was also time to enjoy nature, according to Brad Kellett, watch captain/tactician.
"The south-westerly front passed over at about 2345hrs last night, just after we dropped the A4 in preparation to hoist the A6, when we remembered that we were in the middle of the ditch (Tasman Sea) and it might be prudent to get through the night in one piece!
"The sailing was a lot more enjoyable last night and this morning, with stars and a horizon to sail to. The half-moon appeared at about 2am, next to the bright morning star, followed by glorious sunshine and rainbows in the morning.
"The spinnaker is now back up and we have under 600 miles to the finish now. A few days to go yet," Kellett finished.
On current reckoning, Antipodes should be next to finish, but at 10.30am AEDT, still has just over 500 miles to sail.
On board Alan Hill's Swan 48, Cooloola, Tom Vincent spoke of the changing conditions: "Seems our typical that at this time of the day we get some kind of a change. The current watch came on deck to a full main and A2, after most of the night on a heavy jib and one reef in the main. Shortly after, we made the call to drop the kite and change to the Code.
"Our top wind speed overnight was in the high 30s, mostly 22-27. Currently we're in 15-30 knots and aiming were we want to go..."
The RPAYC Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, sponsored by Harken and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, started at 1pm at Watsons Bay on Sydney Harbour yesterday and is co-hosted by RPAYC and New Zealand's RAYC.
Enthusiasts can follow the fleet's every move via the Yellow Brick tracker at: pro.yb.tl/S2AOR25 or download the Yellow Brick app.
For all information on the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, please visit: www.sydneytoauckland.com