Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour will take a step back in time tomorrow, Monday 1 February, as the City of Sails celebrates its 181st birthday with the annual Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. While the futuristic foiling yachts of the America’s Cup take a break from racing, spectators will instead enjoy the sight of one of the largest fleets of classic boats still in service anywhere in the world.
Many of the lovingly restored vintage yachts and launches taking part in racing tomorrow were first launched over 100 years ago, with the oldest being the spectacular gaff-rigged cutter Waitangi, built in 1894. Another gaff rigged cutter of the same era, Ida, is back in action after an extensive restoration completed last year, which returned her to her original flush-deck, gaff-rigged configuration that she was built with in 1895.
This year marks the 181st edition of the regatta, which was first held in 1840 on the day the city was founded – 11 years before the very first America’s Cup competition in 1851.
The Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta attracts a huge fleet of vessels including tall ships, gaff riggers, sloops, racing keelers, multihulls, sailing dinghies, radio controlled yachts, waka ama, dragonboats and an armada of vintage and modern tugboats.
It’s a great day out for seafarers and thousands of spectators who can see the maritime history of the city in action under sail, steam and paddle power.
Skippers compete for cash and spot prizes, as well as with the chance to go down in nautical history, with winners’ names permanently engraved on the regatta’s historic trophy collection. The collection consists of some 59 trophies, many of which are solid silver, and at least 14 of which were created prior to 1900. The collection, which is valued at nearly $100,000, is on permanent display at the Maritime Museum.
Schedule of Events
TUGBOATS & CLASSIC LAUNCHES
10:00 Tugboat Race Start off Westhaven
11:00 Classic Launch Start off Westhaven
11:05 Tugboat Display off Westhaven
CLASSIC & MODERN KEELBOATS
09:00 Keelboat Race Start Mahurangi and Kawau
10:00 Keelboat Race Start Rakino
12:00 A-Class Gaffers Start off Westhaven
12:05 Keelboat Races Start off Westhaven at five minute intervals
12:15 – 17:00 Race fleets expected to finish off Westhaven
DINGHY & CENTREBOARD RACING
10:00 Murray’s Bay & Torbay – Auckland Championships (Opti, 29er, 420 classes)
10:30 Manly Sailing Club (O’pen Skiff; RS Feva classes)
11:00 Narrow Neck Beach (Sea Scouts, Navy Crowns, Sunbursts)
12:00 Takapuna Boating CLub (Windfoiler; Kitefoiler; Nacra 15/17; Waszp; Moths; A Class)
12:30 Tamaki Yacht Club (Laser, Mistral; Finn; Farr 3.7, 470)
WAKA AMA
12:35 Waka Ama Race Start Westhaven
12:40 Waka Hourua Race Start Westhaven
RC YACHTING
10:00 Radio Controlled Yachting
Westhaven Marina & St Mary’s Bay
DRAGONBOATS
09:30 Dragonboat Racing Viaduct Harbour
Best Vantage Points
For many Aucklanders watching the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta from a sunny picnic spot, is a precious childhood memory. Some of the best spots are:
- Westhaven / RNZYS
- Princes Wharf & Queens Wharf
- Viaduct Harbour
- Bastion Point
- North Head
- East Coast Bays
Royal New Zealand Navy
The Royal New Zealand Navy have been part of the Regatta since the very first event in 1840. And on Monday, 181 years later, the HMNZS MANAWANUI will be on the harbour representing the Navy and once again, supporting the event.
The Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta takes place from 9:30am to 5:00pm on Monday 1 February, 2021.
