Auckland’s Anniversary Day celebrates the founding of the province. And to commemorate the day, one of the world’s single biggest one day sailing regattas takes place each year.
This year, 179 years after the first one back in 1840, spectators will experience the vintage superstars of the past alongside the high tech heralds of the future.
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 boats, Waka Ama, elegant sea scout craft, beautifully restored classic yachts, and an armada of over 20 vintage tugboats.
It’s a great day out for sailors and thousands of spectators who can see the maritime and trading history of the city in action under paddle, sail and steam power.
Competitors also have the chance to win a huge prize pool, with cash prizes for podium places in all divisions, and spot prizes including a holiday in Hawaii thanks to Hawaiian Airlines, and many other prizes donated by generous sponsors.
Skippers will also compete for the chance to go down in nautical history, as winners will have their name permanently engraved on the Regatta's historic trophy collection, which is on permanent display at the Maritime Museum.
Schedule of Events
Tugboats and Classic Launches
10:00 Tugboat Race Start and finish off Capt Cook Wharf
10:45 Tugboat Display off Queen’s Wharf and Captain Cook Wharf
11:00 Classic Launch Start and finish off Westhaven
Keelers
09:00 Keelboat Race Start Mahurangi
10:00 Keelboat Race Start Kawau and Rakino
12:05 Keelboat Race Start Westhaven at five minute intervals
12:15 – 17:00 Race fleets expected to finish off Westhaven
Dinghies
09:45 Narrow Neck Beach – Sea Scouts, Navy Crowns, Sunbursts
10:30 Maraetai Sailing Club – Optimist, Optimist Green, Starling, 29er, 420 and RS Feva, Auckland Championships Saturday 26 – Monday 28 January
12:00 Takapuna – Farr 3.7; Zephyrs; RS:X; A Class Catamarans; Hobie 16; Kite foilers, Idle Along, J14, Waszps Anniversary Weekend Championships Sunday 27 – Monday 28 January
12:30 Tamaki Yacht Club – Laser, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Mistral and Phase II
Waka Ama
12:35 Waka Ama Race Start Princes Wharf
RC Yachting
10:00 Radio Controlled Yachting Westhaven Marina & St Mary’s Bay
Dragonboats
09:30 Dragonboat Racing Viaduct Harbour
Royal New Zealand Navy
The Royal New Zealand Navy has been part of the Regatta since the very first event in 1840. And on Monday, 179 years later, the HMNZS Canterbury will be on the harbour representing the Navy and once again, supporting the event.
