Helly Hansen Three Kings Race enabled with sponsor backing

2022's winning yacht Wired pictured at the remote Three Kings Island group © Ivor Wilkins

With four months until the race starts, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has announced Helly Hansen as naming rights sponsor for the Helly Hansen Three Kings Offshore Race, set to be sailed on 11th April 2024.

The 500 nautical mile long race starts and finishes in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour with a course that takes competitors north-west of Cape Reinga around Three Kings Islands, featuring two 90km open water crossings where the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean meet. It's a legendary adventure race last sailed in 2022, and this next edition also serves as a qualifier for the Auckland to Noumea Offshore race scheduled for May 2024.

"We're delighted with the support this special event has received to date, and to have Helly Hansen's backing as they begin to enter the NZ market" says Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Vice Commodore Gillian Williams. "The continued support by so many of our partners enables us to deliver world-class events, and this year we are also fortunate to offer some extraordinary prizes too".

While there are divisions for skippers to opt into racing fully-crewed or two-handed, and the race is open to entrants from all clubs, this years' top placed RNZYS boat will receive an OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean time piece valued over $12,000.

Having also extended support to this year's Sydney Hobart race, Helly Hansen's Cameron Mahoney says "We are thrilled to be announced as the naming sponsor of the Helly Hansen Three Kings Offshore Race. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Helly Hansen in New Zealand, marrying our devotion to sailing excellence with the esteemed heritage of the RNZYS. With our shared passion for sailing and commitment to excellence, this partnership is a natural fit".

Standard entries for the race are open until 31st January 2024. More information for competitors can be found online at the RNZYS Website.