AUCKLAND SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Friday Evening Yacht Racing Aboard Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand
A concise guide to joining NZ Sailing Trust for a 3–4 hour Friday evening RNZYS race—covers meeting logistics, what to expect on board, and post-race prize-giving.
Friday Evening Yacht Racing Aboard Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand.
On select Fridays you can join the NZ Sailing Trust aboard the legendary Steinlager 2 or Lion New Zealand to take part in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron evening race—a compact, adrenaline-charged outing that places you on a true icon of Kiwi sailing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sail a Legendary Maxi
The experience puts you on either Steinlager 2 or Lion New Zealand—classic, purpose-built racing yachts that give passengers a rare opportunity to feel life aboard an iconic vessel.
RNZYS Friday Evening Racing
You’ll take part in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s evening race and are invited to the RNZYS prize-giving afterwards; the outing finishes back at the Viaduct where the trip began.
A Short, Intense 3–4 Hour Outing
This is a 3–4 hour event that starts in the mid-afternoon and delivers a focused slice of racing life—fast, social, and finished in time for the evening prize ceremony.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon Feels Like
You meet at the Viaduct (by the Explore kiosk) at the appointed time, board one of the famed yachts, and join the RNZYS evening race for a 3–4 hour out-and-back experience that concludes with a return to the Viaduct and an invitation to the prize-giving.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The event runs roughly 3–4 hours; consult booking details for exact start times and any updates from the operator.
Meet at the Viaduct by the Explore kiosk at the stated time to board the yacht.
Follow the operator’s guidance on clothing and footwear; check the listing for any recommended personal items.
After the race you’ll return to the Viaduct and are invited to the RNZYS prize-giving; you may make your own way to the ceremony if preferred.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the outing?
The experience lasts approximately 3–4 hours.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at the Auckland Viaduct by the Explore kiosk at the scheduled start time (the listing notes a 3:00 PM sharp start).
Which boats are used for the race?
The trip is aboard the Steinlager 2 or Lion New Zealand.
Are there age restrictions?
Participants must be aged 13 or older; under‑18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Is there anything after the race?
After the race you return to the Viaduct and are invited to the RNZYS prize-giving; you may make your own way there to celebrate.