Sydney – Auckland Ocean Race: USA’s Lucky Completes Fast Trip Across the Tasman
by Richard Gladwell & RPAYC Media 13 Oct 19:12 PDT
14 October 2025
Lucky about to cross the finish line in Auckland – Finish Sydney Auckland Race – October 14, 2025 © Richard Gladwell – Sail-World.com/nz
The USA registered pocket maxi Lucky (USA 2872), formerly Rambler 88, has taken line honors in the Sydney Auckland Ocean Race, crossing the Tasman in just 68 hours.
Skippered by Bryon Ehrhart (USA), the powerful Juan K–designed yacht crossed the finish line off the Royal Akarana Yacht Club at Okahu Bay around 11:30 hrs local time (08:30 hrs AEDT), setting a race record of 2 days, 20 hours, and 27 minutes. This remarkable time is only just over an hour outside the Trans Tasman record set by Sean Langman’s ORMA60, which finished in 2 days, 19 hours in October 2013.
Notably, the ORMA 60’s record was not established under race conditions. In contrast, Lucky’s impressive 68-hour crossing was achieved within the competitive framework of a race, highlighting the yacht’s exceptional capabilities without the luxury of selecting an optimized weather window.
The previous race record was set in 2023 by Geoff Hill’s Antipodes, clocking in at 5 days, 3 hours, 37 minutes, and 57 seconds (or 123.5 hours). Lucky’s achievement slashed a massive 55 hours off that mark, setting a new benchmark for this legendary race.
Lucky’s time is expected to become the official race record for the 1,250-nautical-mile course, renowned as one of the most challenging in yacht racing.
The journey began on Sydney Harbour at 13:00 hours AEDT on Saturday, October 11. Lucky maintained an astonishing average speed of 20 knots, a pace that few ocean racers can sustain over such a long distance.
The 2025 edition of the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is co-hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Sydney and the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) in Auckland. This prestigious event is proudly supported by Harken Australia & New Zealand and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, who have been long-term partners in promoting bluewater sailing excellence across the Tasman.
The campaign has featured an exceptionally accomplished crew, including veterans from multiple America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and Olympic competitions. Notable names include Brad Butterworth (NZL), Dean Phipps (NZL), Juan Vila (ESP), Joca Signorini (BRA), and Jerry Kirby (USA). This talented international team has displayed a stunning blend of precision, endurance, and teamwork at the highest level of the sport.
Commodore Robert McClelland of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club remarked from Auckland ahead of the race finish:
“It’s an incredible moment for ocean racing. Lucky has been averaging close to 19 knots for more than two days across the Tasman — that’s a blistering pace for 1,250 miles of open ocean. We’re expecting her to cross the finish line at Okahu Bay around 11:30 AM today, marking a new benchmark for the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race.”
Four other yachts are still competing and are expected to arrive in Auckland within the next 48 to 72 hours.
As of noon AEDT (15:00 local time or 02:00 UTC), the Santa Cruz 72 Antipodes, skippered by Geoff Hill, is 518 nautical miles from the finish in Auckland. Frantic, a TP52 helmed by Michael Martin, is positioned in second place and was recorded at 527 nautical miles from Auckland at the same hour.
Antipodes is currently heading towards Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island, while Wings, a Dehler 46 skippered by Ian Edwards, was further behind at 665 nautical miles from Auckland at noon AEDT. Cooloola, a Swan 48 helmed by Alan Hill, is trailing behind Wings by approximately 46 nautical miles as they both navigate the route to Auckland.
Live tracking and official updates are available at:
rpayc.com.au/sydney-to-auckland-ocean-race
