Huge regatta one reason to stay in Auckland for long weekend

With events taking place at 17 locations throughout Auckland, Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on Monday 27 January 2014 is a fun event that the entire city can take part in - with or without a boat.

The Regatta was founded 174 years ago to mark the city’s founding, and it’s continued pretty much every year, since then. 

“Generations of Aucklanders have great memories of picnics on North Head or Mission Bay, watching the action on the water,” says spokesperson Eric Mahoney.

These days, the Viaduct and North Wharf are also great places to watch from, the picnics are often as not replaced by cafe tables, and the Regatta is just one of the events happening on Anniversary Weekend, including Ports of Auckland SeePort, the ASB Auckland Seafood Festival, the International Buskers Festival, and more. 

The Regatta is geared for people to watch, there will be a ‘have a go’ event for Stand Up Paddleboarding, and at least 17 different watersports clubs, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and more, get together in locations all over Auckland to make the Regatta happen - from Stand Up Paddleboarding, Dragonboating and Waka Ama, to tugs and workboats, classic yachts, remote control yachts, Sea Scout cutters, and dinghies, skiffs and keelboats of all flavours.

Courses are designed to be fun and challenging, and to get new-comers out onto the water. 

“It’s a fun day that is not just about competitive racing,” says spokesperson Eric Mahoney, who encourages anyone with a boat or an interest in boats, to get their friends and family involved. 

“Our courses are designed to be fun - it’s an opportunity for serious sailors to wind down and get new people on the water, or for people who don’t usually race, to give it a go.” 

Keelboating is historically a big part of the regatta, which offers starts from Mahurangi, Kawau, and Rakino Island, enabling those who spend Saturday and Sunday cruising, to take part in a friendly race home in full cruising trim. 

“That means you can race with a dinghy on the stern, and loaded up with supplies,” says Eric. 

Races for keelboats also start and finish off Princes Wharf in the Waitemata Harbour. Several dinghy championships, including the Optimist and Starling Auckland Champs, also included as part of the regatta program. 

“It’s a very busy and festive day on the harbour and being out and about and part of it is a lot of fun,” says Eric Mahoney. “Our goal is to eventually set a new world record for being the biggest one day regatta in the world - that shows how big and unique our event is.” 

Winners not only receive cash prizes, but the opportunity to have their name engraved forever on a famous sailing trophy - the historic silverware, which is on permanent display at the Maritime Museum, is worth over $80,000. A holiday to Hawaii courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines, a RED Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard package worth $2,000, and tickets to Rainbow’s End, Snow Planet, and much more, are also up for grabs, and one lucky youth contestant will win a ten-day voyage, on the Spirit of New Zealand. 

If you are not sure which of the many events your boat fits, or if it’s your first regatta, phone Joyce Talbot on 0800 REGATTA or email admin@regatta.org.nz for friendly advice on where you fit in. Spectators can get maps, schedules and information about interesting and notable entrants, at www.regatta.org.nz. 

Supporters include Hawaiian Airlines, The Lion Foundation, The Southern Trust, The Spirit of Adventure Trust, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the media partner, Boating New Zealand.

ENDS

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