Who was the genius club that started mid-week Twilight Yacht racing in New Zealand?

We haven’t been able to find the answer, but a cursory search indicates that Richmond Yacht Club at Westhaven is held as the pioneer. Suffice to say it’s brilliant and, for many reasons, it is keeping the keelboat fleets alive. In many cases it’s the only racing a boat does – some crews have bonded over the Twilight series for over 20 years, and whilst they or their owners add Short Handed and Weekend Passage races, this is their connection with mates and an all-important break in the week with competitive and social benefits. 

In the Young 88 class, we’ve seen early positive interest from skippers for the RNZYS series (NOR pending - 1st race 7th Oct) and a request has been made to reinstate a Y88 division start. Nearby, there will be 88’s at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club  and Waiheke Boating Club who are all launching their series on 30th September, as is Richmond Yacht Club - Pine Harbour starting on 8th October, Naval Point Club xxx & Akaroa is XXXX

Twilight racing gives the greatest number of races in a series if you count Spring & Summer, so it’s great value for the entry fee and delivers the full range of weather conditions over a course with a mix of upwind, reaching and downwind and the occasional tidal-current effect to test local knowledge. The Clubs love the frequency too, and don’t they all need the support and the buzz that we Twilight crews provide by rocking up after racing for a debrief.

For us in the largest keelboat class, we have some great options, especially for those who can reach the Westhaven area.

The new City of Sails Sprints format will allow you the Windward/Leeward fix on a Thursday one week, then the Squaddie Wednesdays on the alternative week.

So, here’s the call-out to get into your local Twilight event this season – keep the ole team together and maybe even try out a few keen new legends.