Media Release                                                                                                       4 December 2007

Entries Now Open for Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

Tall ships, tugboats, classic yachts, racing keelers, sloops, sailing dinghies, sailboards and the navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will be among hundreds of craft on Waitemata Harbour on Monday, 28 January, 2008 to celebrate Auckland’s 168th birthday.

The Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is one of the biggest one day regattas in the world and is also the oldest sporting event in New Zealand, bringing the nation’s  and the Auckland region’s maritime heritage alive with a spectacle on land and sea.

“Anniversary Day Regattas have been a training ground for many of the current world champions, Olympic and America’s Cup yachties and are synonymous with Auckland’s celebration of her birthday and love of living by the sea,” said organising chairman, Eric Henry.  “Entries are now open and we would encourage sailors to join the fun and create a wonderful day of sport and entertainment for all to see.”

The 2008 Regatta welcomes aboard local shipping and freight company, Oceanbridge Shipping, as naming rights sponsor, heading a family of sponsors including the Royal New Zealand Navy, which provides the Regatta flagship, Auckland City Council, Ports of Auckland Limited, Classic Hits 97.4FM, Lion Foundation and the Spirit of New Zealand Trust.

“We’re actively involved in all aspects of the marine industry from shipping boats and masts to sponsoring young and exciting yachting talent both here and overseas so we’re delighted to be involved with the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and hope this involvement will continue for many years into the future,” Oceanbridge Managing Director, Bill Speedy said. 

The Regatta starts at 9:00am on Anniversary Day from the Viaduct Harbour with a Parade of Sail as the fleet of different classes of craft, many from boating and sailing clubs around the Auckland region, make their way to the start line off Orakei Wharf and wait for the Governor General, aboard HMNZS Te Kaha, to fire the starting canon.

One of the day’s highlights will be the tugboat race off North Head with over 30 of these highly manoeuvrable vintage workboats roaring across the water in a show of power and spray to the finishing line by Torpedo Bay. 

Vantage points at North Head, Bastion Point, Tamaki Drive, East Coast Bays, Orakei Wharf and Viaduct Harbour, will provide excellent vantage points for landlubbers and the Aquatica Harbour Festival will provide more family entertainment

Auckland City Anniversary Day Regatta On-Water Schedule

9.00am: Parade of Sail
Recapturing the glory and spectacle of bygone years our yachting heritage sets the scene with a Parade of Sail of a fleet of beautiful classic yachts and launches, tugboats and Tall Ships departing from the Viaduct Harbour up to the race start line off Orakei Wharf.

10.00am: Tugboat Race off North Head
Watch this amazing display of manoeuvrability and speed as these wonderful craft roar up the channel - best vantage points are North Head or East Coast Bays beaches

11.00am: First Start off Orakei Wharf
Races start off Orakei Wharf, Tamaki Drive (by Kelly Tarlton's) at 5 minute intervals from 11.00am

11.55am: The Harbour Blast
See some of the fastest boats on the water 'blast' off in a vision of colour and speed as they head off around the harbour

10.00am: Radio Controlled Yachts
Electrons - Marine Association Pontoon, Westhaven Marina
International One Metre Class - Viaduct Harbour
Nautic 12 - Viaduct Harbour

From 11.00am: Centreboard Classes
Venues: Kohimarama Yacht Club, Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club and 12.30pm from Tamaki Yacht Club

Classic Dinghy Regatta: Takapuna's historic Bayswater Clubhouse - bring your family and a picnic and watch these classics from the Reserve

12.30pm: First boats expected from:
The Islands of the Hauraki Gulf: Mahurangi, Kawau and Rakino Islands.
Featuring Keelboats, Multihulls and Trailer Yachts

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