Media Release                                                                         

Regatta in Ship Shape Order for Big Day Out on the Water

Hundreds of craft from centreboards, tall ships, keelers, sailing dinghies to the spectacle of historic, restored classic vessels and a 30-strong fleet of roaring vintage tugboats, will take part in the Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, first held 169 years ago, this Monday, 26 January.

“We are very pleased with the number of entries, especially from the classic yacht fleet,” said Regatta Organising Committee Chairman, Eric Mahoney.  “We are going to have the gaff rigged queens of the harbour out in force, racing for line honours, as well as a full armada of tug and workboats and even one of the heroes of a past America’s Cup campaign, NZL 20, all participating in their respective classes.”

 The Parade of Sail which heralds the beginning of the Anniversary Day Regatta leaves Viaduct Harbour at 9:00am on Monday morning, with the Spirit of New Zealand leading the way, providing a moving spectacle of the region’s maritime history. 

On the Sunday evening, some of the stars of the  classic yacht fleet, fresh from a day’s racing, will be berthed at the Viaduct Harbour and lit up.  At the start line on Monday look out for Jessie Logan, believed to be the oldest purpose built racing yachts in the world now and just restored in time for regatta, Thelma, Ranger, Fidelis, Ragime, Waitangi, Tucana, Loloma  and Gloriana.

Following the parade, the first race of the day is for tugboats and there will be excellent views of the race from harbour vantage points such as North Head, Bastion Point and Viaduct Harbour.  After the race these workhorses will parade in order of placings back into the Viaduct where there will be a display of water fighting and dancing showing off the prowess and agility of the Ports of Auckland tugboats.

The main races, which start off Orakei Wharf, will feature large and spectacular keel boats, the most commonly seen boat on the Waitemata Harbour, classic yachts, the ‘Harbour Blast” with smaller, faster craft defying gravity as they go for a burst of speed.

Local shipping and freight company, Oceanbridge Shipping, is naming rights sponsor, heading a family of sponsors including, Auckland City Council, Ports of Auckland Limited, Classic Hits 97.4FM, Lion Foundation and the Spirit of Adventure Trust.  The Royal New Zealand Navy, which provides the Regatta flagship, Te Mana is a key supporter.

For more information and entry forms go to:

www.regatta.org.nz or phone 0800 REGATTA (0800 734 2882)

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