Royal Akarana Yacht Club once again proved why it is at the heart of team racing in Auckland, successfully hosting the Auckland Cup Secondary Schools Regional Championships on 25–27 March 2026. Over three days of high-stakes sailing in Okahu Bay (admittedly the middle day being blown out for winds exceeding 30-40 knots!), 16 school teams battled it out in the fast-paced, tactical world of team racing — and the racing was as close and exciting as ever.
Stage 1 saw a swiss league format consisting of 12 rounds per team, with results decided on wins and quite a few tie-breakers. Auckland Grammar Blue claimed top spot with a near-perfect record, followed closely by Auckland Grammar Gold in second and Westlake Boys in third. The depth of talent was clear with just one race win separating Takapuna Grammar in 4th place down to Auckland Girls Combined team in 11th place. Every team won at least two races during the swiss league stage which is a good indicator that lots of the match ups were nice and even. Wednesday saw teams racing in breeze from 10 to 20 knots throughout the day, whereas racing on Friday saw teams starting out in around 6-8 knots that faded away through the day.
Stage 2 switched to knockout semi-finals, where the pressure ramped up even further and the wind dropped even further! In Semi-Final A, Auckland Grammar Blue powered past Takapuna Grammar 2-0. In Semi-Final B, Auckland Grammar Gold edged out Westlake Boys in a nail-biting match, the deciding race was won right on the finish line to take the series 2-1. The top Auckland schools demonstrated exactly why team racing rewards not just speed, but tactics & communication as well. As the teams were ramping up for the final series – the breeze finally gave up and eventually the knockout series was abandoned around 15:30.
What is Team Racing — and Why It’s Addictive
RAYC has been at the forefront of team racing for the past few years. We proudly host the Auckland Secondary Schools Regional Championships every year and provide training support to lots of schools leading into the event. We also have hosted the Open Team Racing Nationals annually since 2023, giving sailors of all ages — including those who’ve left school — the chance to keep competing at the highest level.
Ready to Get Involved?
Team racing is for everyone. Whether you’re a keen high-school sailor looking to represent your school, a parent who wants to see their kids thrive in a team environment, or an adult sailor missing the buzz of competitive sailing — there’s a place for you.
- Schools: If your school doesn’t yet have a team, get in touch with RAYC — we can help connect you and provide support.
- Individuals: Form a team with friends, club mates, or fellow sailors and jump into the action.
Mark Your Calendars: Open Team Racing National Championships — July 2026 at RAYC
The Open Team Racing Nationals return to Royal Akarana Yacht Club from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026. This is New Zealand’s premier open team racing event, drawing independent teams from across the country for three days of elite, high-energy racing right here in Okahu Bay.
Entries are open now via the RAYC website (just $750 per team plus a $500 bond). Spots are limited — so don’t wait. Whether you’re a recent school leaver, a club racer, or part of a group that just loves the format, this is your chance to compete for national honours on home waters. With three different winners over the last three years it really is anyone’s for the taking.
Come down to the club, chat to the sailing team, or head to rayc.co.nz to find out how to get involved. See you on the start line in July!
