Rob McClelland, Commodore of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), has been instrumental in organising entries for the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A), which debuted in 2023 after a two-year delay due to COVID. He has entered his own yacht in the upcoming race.
The biannual race, sponsored by Harken and supported by Palm Beach Motor Yachts, is set to start at 1pm on 11 October, departing from Sydney Harbour north of Shark Island. McClelland expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating his keen anticipation to set sail.
McClelland noted the valuable contribution of Palm Beach Motor Yachts, founded by RPAYC member Mark Richards, and their involvement in other prestigious races. He appreciates their support for the sailing community.
The introduction of a Rally for Cruisers Division motivated McClelland to participate this year. He expressed excitement about the experience of sailing and the significance of arriving in Auckland, where he looks forward to welcoming fellow competitors.
His yacht, First Picasso, named after the artist, is the sole entry in the Rally for Cruisers Division, scheduled to depart a week earlier than the main fleet. This timing allows him to greet the other arrivals in Auckland.
McClelland shared his fondness for Picasso’s art, explaining that although they do not own original pieces, they chose the name for their Jeanneau 57, a cruising yacht designed for comfort. He anticipates completing the journey in five to seven days, depending on the weather conditions.
He is also looking forward to sailing with a close-knit crew of fellow RPAYC members, including his wife Virginia, with whom he has shared numerous sailing experiences, including achieving victories in the Bay of Islands Race.
The race presents a challenging course of 1000 nautical miles across the Tasman Sea, followed by an additional 200 nautical miles down the coast. McClelland highlighted the differing conditions expected during the race, which is scheduled for October, often yielding Transpac-like weather patterns.
While he has not previously participated in a race of this length, McClelland has experience with the Hobart and Fastnet races, as well as cruising to Noumea and New Zealand. The RPAYC has recently been recognised as Club of the Year at the NSW/ACT – Australian Sailing Awards, with members also winning individual accolades.
The RPAYC has served the sailing community since 1867, boasting over 1800 members and 600 registered boats, providing opportunities for sailors of all skill levels. The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, first proposed by the club in 2018, is one of its most exciting initiatives.
The S2A will be co-hosted by New Zealand’s Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) and will commence from Sydney Harbour at 1pm on 11 October 2025.
For additional information, visit: www.sydneytoauckland.com
For inquiries regarding the race, please contact Race Director, Nick Elliott at +61 2 9998-3700 or email: nick.elliott@rpayc.com.au
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royalprincealfredyachtclub/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpayc/
#SydneyToAuckland #OceanRace #SailingAustralia #RPAYC #PalmBeachMotorYachts
More Offshore Sailing stories: Click here
