Record-Breaking Yacht ‘Lucky’ Joins 2025 PIC Coastal Classic Fleet

The racing yacht Lucky, an 88-foot maxi designed by Juan K, will compete in the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic, bringing heightened excitement to this renowned sailing event. Skippered by Bryan Ehrhart from Chicago and featuring New Zealand sailing icon Brad Butterworth as tactician, Lucky recently set a remarkable record in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, crossing the Tasman Sea in just two days, 20 hours, 27 minutes, and seven seconds. This time shattered the previous record set by the yacht Antipodes in 2023.

The PIC Coastal Classic, often referred to as New Zealand’s great race north, will take place over the Labour Weekend, beginning on October 24, 2025. The race starts from Auckland and concludes in Russell, encompassing a distance of 119 nautical miles. Traditionally, this event attracts a diverse fleet, including cruising multihulls and advanced grand-prix racing yachts. With Lucky joining the lineup, organizers anticipate one of the most competitive races in recent history.

“This is a huge moment for the Coastal,” stated Adrian Percival, Commodore of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. “Having a boat of Lucky’s calibre on the start line highlights how far this race has come. She’s proven herself across the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, and now the Tasman. Seeing her charge north alongside New Zealand’s best will be unforgettable.”

Lucky’s impressive performance history, paired with Ehrhart’s leadership and Butterworth’s strategic expertise, positions her as a formidable contender in offshore racing. The anticipation surrounding her participation is palpable, as many expect her northward sprint to be one of the most closely monitored in years.

The 2025 PIC Coastal Classic fleet is expected to gather off Devonport Wharf on Friday, October 24, with over 100 boats and hundreds of sailors anticipated to take the start gun. Weather conditions permitting, the race is set to deliver thrilling moments for both competitors and spectators alike. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Lucky as she embarks on this prestigious challenge, aiming to add another chapter to her remarkable racing legacy.