Reunion to Celebrate the 175th AC Anniversary

One hundred and seventy-five years ago, on 22 August 1851, a single yacht race in the Solent changed sailing forever.

On that day, the Royal Yacht Squadron staged its Grand Regatta at Cowes, inviting entries from yacht clubs of all nations. Against all expectations, the schooner America defeated the entire British fleet on its home waters. The famous silver "100 Guinea Cup" would forever take the name of that first winning yacht.

Since the New Zealand Challenge first entered the Cup in Perth in 1987, New Zealand has built an unrivalled reputation in the event, lifting the Auld Mug five times: in 1995, 2000, 2017, 2021 and 2024. Every Cup campaign creates its own stories. But over nearly four decades, New Zealand's campaigns have also created something far more enduring: a community.

On Saturday 22 August 2026, the 175th anniversary of the race that gave us the Auld Mug, join us at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for an evening celebrating the people behind our Cup story.

Whether you were on the water, in the boat shed, behind the camera, in the chase boats, supporting a syndicate, working with sponsors or the media, volunteering behind the scenes, or helping in countless other ways, this independently organised gathering is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, reminisce, share a few stories, and raise a glass to the friendships and shared experiences that have grown around the Cup.

Join us from 5.30pm-8.00pm in the Quarterdeck (upstairs at the RNZYS) for drinks, canapés, familiar faces and stories.

Your ticket includes canapés and your first drink. A cash bar and the Sailors' Menu will be available throughout the evening for those wishing to purchase additional refreshments.

Tickets are limited, so we encourage you to secure yours early.

Please note that RNZYS Women's Day is also being held on Saturday, so on-site parking will be limited.