Seaquesta shines as PIC Harbour Classic delivers standout weekend on Waitematā Harbour
By PIC Harbour Classic
The Waitematā Harbour delivered a memorable fourth edition of the PIC Harbour Classic on Saturday with a large fleet racing in light but building autumn conditions off Auckland’s North Shore.
Inspired by Trieste’s famous Barcolana Regatta, the event continues to grow in stature. Since its early days in 2023, it has become a firm fixture on Auckland’s sailing calendar, capturing the spirit of the City of Sails.
Festivities began on Friday night with a Welcome Party at Wynyard Pavilion overlooking Jellicoe Harbour. The courtyard filled with crews, supporters, and industry representatives. Members of the 36 Degrees Brokers Beneteau and Lagoon rally fleets joined the celebrations, alongside familiar faces from Emirates Team New Zealand, showing strong support for grassroots sailing.
Race day opened with clear skies and calm seas. Early conditions were light, but by the 12 noon start off North Head, a northerly breeze of around 8 knots had filled in. The fleet set off on a 3.3 nautical mile leg north toward Takapuna, before heading 3.5 nautical miles south toward the south-western end of Rangitoto Island. A final 1.2 nautical mile leg brought competitors back to the finish.
Close racing defined the day. Boats sailed within metres of each other at times, with friendly calls of “Gidday mate” echoing across the fleet. The atmosphere reflected both competitive spirit and strong camaraderie.
On corrected time under PHRF handicap, Seaquesta, the 12.8-metre Ed Dubois 42 skippered by Philip Deibert, claimed overall honours.
Divisional results showcased the diversity of the fleet. Selah, the Spirited 380 skippered by Andrew Turnbull, won the multihull Division 1. In the monohull divisions, Extreme (Jim Young design, Mark Roberts) took Division 2, Southern Fun (Laurie Davidson design, Aaron Hume-Merry) led Division 3, and Perfect Alibi (Young 88, Colin Booth) secured Division 4. Seaquesta also topped Division 5.
Line honours went to Alegre andFrank Racing. Alegre, the Soto 40 skippered by Vaughn Clark, was the first monohull home, and Frank Racing, the GC32 skippered by Simon Hull, was the first multihull to finish.
In the classes, Hooters, Craig Haslip’s Open 8.5, narrowly led home the 8.5 fleet, finishing just 32 seconds ahead of Freedom. The sports boat honours went to Team Sex, the Magic 25 skippered by Anne Hirst.
Beyond the results, the event highlighted the essence of sailing. Every finish reflected the effort of dedicated crews and the shared enjoyment of time on the water.
The PIC Harbour Classic is gratefully supported by title sponsor PIC Insurance Brokers, with further support from 36 Degrees Brokers and Squadron Plumbers.
Race organisers, the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club, extend an open invitation for 2027, encouraging sailors of all levels to take part.
For more information, visit www.harbourclassic.co.nz
Photo / Marcus Brummel, Live Sail Die
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