The Moffat Cup for 12 ft 8 in. Idle Along yachts is contested annually between provincial representatives. Since the first national contest, sailed in 1935, this class has become one of the most widely known in New Zealand. Although it has entered into a rapid decline in popularity since 1950, at its peak it numbered over 1,300 boats in regular competition. As late as the 1953–54 season, when decline had set in this class, the Auckland area alone had 239 boats on its provincial register.

The 12 ft 6 in. Takapuna Z class competes annually for the Cornwell Cup. Participation in the national contest is limited to youths under 19 years of age, as this class is regarded as a training class. For the same reason, all boats must conform to the one-design rule, only ⅜ in. tolerance on any measurement being permitted. The Cornwell contest is one of New Zealand's most successful training classes, and in 1960 the construction and rig were modified to bring the class into line with modern developments.

The most popular training class for boys up to the age of 16 years is the 7 ft Tauranga P class. Provincial representatives compete annually in a national series for the Tauranga and Tanner Cups.

The rise of lighter and faster class boats since 1945 has tended to attract the younger element in the sport away from such classes as the Z class and Idle Along, boats locally designed to meet specifically New Zealand conditions. Newer types of boat, such as the Cherub, Moth, and Leander R classes are the result of modern developments in hull and rig design. New Zealand participation in international yachting competition since 1945 has strongly influenced the development of centreboard racing classes. The introduction of International class boats in New Zealand, such as the Flying Dutchman, Finn, and Flying Fifteen classes was the direct result of international contact and competition.

In recent years there has been a decline of interest among yachtsmen in the Sanders, Cornwell, and Moffat Cups, as these represent classes of boats which are rapidly becoming obsolete. Skippers who once would have sailed in the Sanders Cup will now be found in the Finn and Flying Dutchman Olympic classes; the Junior Cherub class skippers would once have raced for the Cornwell Cup, while the R and Cherub classes have caused the decline of the Idle Along class and its Moffat Cup.