SSANZ announces Doyle Sails partnership and four year offshore racing calendar

by Harri Wren for SSANZ 27 Aug 00:59 PDT

CU Later - 2026 Doyle Sails Round North Island Two Handed Yacht Race - March 2, 2026 © SSANZ

After careful consideration of the future offshore racing calendar, the Shorthanded Sailing Association of New Zealand (SSANZ) is pleased to announce a new four-year pathway that provides competitors with a clear progression towards a Round New Zealand race in 2030.

As part of this long-term vision, SSANZ has announced a major four-year partnership with Doyle Sails, supporting some of the country's premier short-handed offshore events.

The partnership will see Doyle Sails continue to be the Longhaul Division sponsor of the Lewmar Triple Series through to 2028, before taking naming rights to the Doyle Sails Northern Triangle in 2028 and returning with the Doyle Sails Round North Island in 2029. The cycle culminates with the return of the Round New Zealand race in 2030.

Explore Racing - 2026 Doyle Sails Round North Island Two Handed Yacht Race - March 15, 2026 - photo © SSANZ

Together, the four-year calendar creates a structured pathway for sailors to build experience, qualify for flagship events and continue strengthening New Zealand's offshore racing community.

Working alongside fellow Auckland clubs, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Royal Akarana Yacht Club, SSANZ also looks forward to supporting competitors in the Doyle Sails Cavalli Islands Race in 2026 and the Three Kings Race in 2028, helping create an aligned offshore calendar that benefits sailors across the country.

As offshore racing has demonstrated over many years, the success of major events relies on long-term planning, strong participation and collaboration between clubs. By working together with Doyle Sails and the wider sailing community, SSANZ is committed to building sustainable participation and delivering world-class offshore racing opportunities for years to come.

Wired Racing - Round North Island Race 2023 - Leg 1 Finish - Mangonui - February 28, 2023 - photo © Sarah Wiblin

Harri Wren, Chair & Partnerships Lead of SSANZ, welcomed the four-year partnership with Doyle Sails, describing it as an exciting new chapter for the association and one that is fundamental to the future success of its events. "Having long-term certainty allows the committee to plan with confidence, invest in the competitor experience and continue delivering high-quality racing year after year. Doyle Sails has played such an important role in New Zealand sailing history, so to have their support over the next four years is both a privilege and an honour. Together, we're creating a clear pathway for New Zealand's offshore sailors, and we're incredibly excited about what this partnership means for the future of short-handed offshore racing."

Speaking on the partnership, Mike Sanderson, President of Doyle Sails, said:

“New Zealand has a proud offshore sailing heritage, and one of the best ways to ensure its future is to create a clear pathway for sailors to develop their skills and confidence over time. This four-year calendar does exactly that, giving competitors meaningful milestones to work towards, from shorter offshore races through to the ultimate challenge of a Round North Island race.

"At Doyle Sails, we're proud to support SSANZ and the volunteers who make these events possible. Long-term partnerships like this allow everyone involved – organisers, competitors and supporters – to plan ahead, invest in the experience and continue growing participation in offshore racing. We're excited to be part of a vision that will strengthen New Zealand's offshore community and inspire the next generation of sailors to take on these incredible challenges.”