Sailing : Explorer Racing Takes Lead in Challenging Round North Island Race

Leg 2 of the Doyle Sails Two Handed Round North Island Race restarts from Mangonui at 0900hrs Monday, heading to Waikawa. The 26-boat fleet tackles a challenging 476-nautical-mile route after completing the first leg from Auckland to Mangonui. Fleet positions show boats spread along Ninety Mile Beach, battling rough conditions. Only one boat, Physical Favours, temporarily suspends racing to return to Splits Bay for damage assessment but resumes racing this morning. Explorer Racing leads on Line Honours, making its way into the Tasman Sea. The event, organized by the Short Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand, runs from 28 February to 15 March 2026. For live tracking and results, visit www.ssanz.co.nz/round-north-island-2026 or follow SSANZ on social media.