Auckland, New ZealandAuckland, New ZealandAuckland, New ZealandAs we write this as of Monday 16 March at 1245pm, 58% of the Doyle Sails Round North Island Fleet have returned to reality with 42% still living the frustrating dream.
Carbon racing boats like Explore, the Elliott 50, don’t have the creature comforts that comes with yachts like Catnip, which is a Beneteau First 45. So being at sea, for 4 days, is always gonna be stinky!
Why? Because it’s an epic story to tell when you finally sail back into Auckland, go through the finish line, dock into the marina and pour a rum – knowing you got through something that others shy away from. The Doyle Sails Round North Island Race is delivering ever level of emotion.
And also this update: “How much wood would a Ross boat chop if a Ross boat could chop wood?” You can’t make this s&%t up…! It’s tough going for the 26 yachts racing in the Doyle Sails Round North Island Race hosted by the team at the Shorthanded Sailing Association of New Zealand.
This race is a marathon, not a sprint, and those in the know have provided one piece of valuable advice. “Panic Slowly.”
And we were there! 26 yachts pointed at the start line, rounded North Head and were on their way to Mangonoui for Leg 1 of the Doyle Sails Round North Island Race hosted by the team at the Shorthanded Sailing Association of New Zealand.
The 2026 Doyle Sails Round North Island Race, organised by the fantastic team at from the Shorthanded Sailing Association of New Zealand, starts on Saturday 28th February at 1000 hours off Devonport Wharf. Here’s how you can follow the race.
The 2026 Round North Island Two Handed Race will be held from 28 February to 15 March 2026.
Every story from the week by email, plus the categories you follow.
