The Race!

The Peter Loft Marathon is one of BYRA's most iconic events. It is held each year to commemorate one of BYRA's most promising young sailors - Peter Loft - who died in a tragic accident when only a teenager. All entry fees go to the Peter Loft Foundation, which supports junior sailors - last year, we helped to fund one of our talented youths to attend the IQ Nationals and Worlds! 

To ensure maximum enjoyment on the day, this event is intended as a fun and inclusive race, with all types of off-the-beach craft competing together across three separate divisions.

So, if you want to enjoy a fabulous sail on the pristine waters of Pittwater and potentially even Broken Bay, this is the race for you!

There is a fantastic "Le Mans" style start, where all the skippers line up on land and run to their boats. This year, it will be a long run with low tide at 12:06!

Divisions

Weather and sea state permitting:

• Division 1 entrants will race up Pittwater and around Lion Island. This is virtually an ocean crossing and is not for the fainthearted!
• Division 2 will race to Barrenjoey and back.
• Division 3 will race shorter courses as outlined in the Notice of Race. 

Briefing will be at 11:00, with an off-the-beach start at 12:00.

Please refer to the Notice of Race.

Entry Yardsticks - please read carefully

Results are based on the yardstick for your class & craft.

When you enter, you must identify your craft and assign it the correct yardstick from the below attachments. You must include both your craft type and yardstick in your registration exactly as described in the relevant attachment.

BYRA will check that handicaps are correct on Saturday, 3rd May, to ensure correct results on race day. 

Australian Sailing 2025 Yardsticks from Monohulls and Catamarans
Scow Moth & Lowrider handicaps

Entry Cut Off & Safety Planning

Entries close on Friday, 3rd May at 22:00. You must enter by this time. BYRA volunteers must have Saturday to check there are sufficient safety craft in place based on final entry numbers. 

Please note that you can enter the division lower than the one you are eligible for, and you will be placed in this division. We do not want sailors or windsurfers entering Division 1 unless they are suitably experienced and confident - BYRA also reserves the right to enter you in a lower division if we have concerns about your competency level.

Food and Drink

On race day, the canteen will be open from 8:30 for:

• A variety of hot food, including bacon and egg rolls, pies, sausage rolls, mini quiches, etc.
• A selection of cakes & energy bars.
• Tea and Barista coffee. 
• Soft drinks and water.

There will also be a BBQ after the race. The cost is $15 - pay on the day. The BYRA bar will also be open!

Bunking at BYRA

Travelling from out of town and need somewhere to stay? If so, please get in touch with us at Commodore@byra.com.au. BYO bunking down at BYRA is possible for a budget-friendly fee.

Entry Fees*

$45 for a Skipper over 18 years old.

$35 for a Skipper under 18 years old. (Use Discount Code: PeterLoft)

*Apologies for the card payment fee. We have opted for this to reduce the administration burden on our tiny team of BYRA volunteers. Bank transfers require considerable time spent to reconcile. We thank you for your understanding.

Documents

Yardsticks - see above attachments.

Notice of Race (NOR)

Sponsors & Supporters

This year's event is sponsored by Scott Sails and supported by the Quays Marina. If you would like to be featured here by way of donating prizes or assisting with support boats, please get in touch!