We can’t wait to welcome you at the Port Nicholson Regatta 2025! It’s going to be a great weekend, come and enjoy regatta weekend whether you’re sailing or not. The club will be open for all your needs – from breakfast on race days through to cashless bar and evening meals from 6pm.
Schedule
Thursday20 Feb | Regatta and Wellington Classic Registration | 1500-1800 | RPNYC |
Regatta and Wellington Classic Compulsory Briefing | 1830 | RPNYC | |
Friday21 Feb | Open Class | 0955 First Warning Signal | 4x laid course races back-to-back |
Harbour Class | 1110 First Warning Signal | 2x harbour races | |
Saturday22 Feb | Open Class | 0955 First Warning Signal | 2x laid course races back-to-back |
Harbour Class | 1025 Warning Signal | 1x Harbour race | |
Wellington Classic (all Classes) | 1325 Warning Signal | 1x Harbour race | |
Regatta and Wellington Classic Prizegiving | 1830 | RPNYC | |
Sunday23 Feb | Reserve DayWellington Classic only | 1155 Warning Signal | 1x Harbour race |
Reserve DayWellington Classic Prizegiving only | Following racing | RPNYC |
Ross Telford Memorial Trophy
The Ross Telford Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the Port Nicholson Regatta Champion. The Regatta Champion is determined by the Regatta Director based primarily on performance (including the competitiveness of each division and scoring methods), along with sportsmanship and contribution to the success of the Regatta.
Wellington Classic
The Gallagher Insurance Port Nicholson Regatta 2025 introduces the Wellington Classic race. This exciting shift in the Regatta’s format bringing a fresh but nostalgic feel to the event, combining the traditions of the past with modern-day sailing. The Wellington Classic will be raced on a Harbour course similar to the historic regatta courses of the late 19th century.

Adding a further layer of historical authenticity, the prize money for the inaugural Wellington Clasic will be 10 pounds and 8 shillings, the amount offered to winners of the regattas in the 1890s, but with a modern twist: it will be adjusted for inflation. The victor of the Gallagher Insurance Wellington Classic will also be awarded the Jessie Logan 1890 Cup.
It’s about connecting with the past while creating a race that will stand on its own for years to come.
Clean Regatta
The Regatta will be run using the principles of the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas, focussing on sustainable practices both on and off the water.
Here’s a snippet of the practices that can be implemented. We will select 60-70% of them and will keep you informed before and during the Regatta. If you are willing to help out, please get in touch and contact cleanclub@rpnyc.org.nz – join the Green team, we appreciate your support!
More information on our RPNYC Clean Club Programme can be found here.