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An armada of classic yachts will take to the waters of the Mahurangi Harbour on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, Saturday January 24, for the annual Mahurangi Regatta.
A highlight of the summer calendar for generations, the regatta continues to draw spectators and yachties from across Auckland and Northland. Its enduring appeal lies in a blend of maritime heritage, family-friendly fun and the spectacular sight of classic vessels under sail.
Re-established in the early 1990s, the Mahurangi Regatta has grown steadily in popularity, attracting an impressive fleet of classic yachts and launches. Some of the vessels competing today date back to the late 1890s and early 1900s, linking the modern event to regattas first recorded as early as 1858. While these venerable boats remain crowd favourites, the largest division is now the Mid-Century Classics, built between 1955 and 1985.
Festivities start early, with beach events at Sullivan’s Bay organised by Mahurangi Action from 9am.
These include beach and swimming races, sandcastle and tug-of-war competitions, and the ever-popular rowing race, ‘The King of the Mahurangi’. The activities are a major drawcard for both children and parents, setting a lively tone for the day.
On the water, a parade of historic New Zealand launches will get underway at 9.15am, departing Scotts Landing and circling the harbour past Sullivan’s Bay. Sailing races follow from 11am, providing one of the regatta’s most anticipated spectacles as the old gaff-rigged yachts hoist their topsails, conditions permitting. In recent years, the event has only been cancelled twice, both times due to cyclones.
The racing fleet ranges from small Te Haupa and Frostbite class dinghies to 50-foot yachts, with courses winding around Saddle Island, Scotts Landing and, for the larger A-class division, further afield to Motukitekite and Motutara via Blanche Channel. The beautifully restored scow Jane Gifford, anchored off Sullivan’s Bay, serves as the start and finish line, with volunteers recording race times.
Prizegiving will be held at the historic Scott Homestead and traditionally draws a large crowd of sailors, boaties and spectators. The celebration concludes with a barbecue and dance, featuring jazz band Hopetoun Brown and Aaron Carpenter and the Revelators from Waiheke. Numerous participation prizes, particularly for older cruising boats, add to the inclusive spirit of the event.
The Mahurangi Cruising Club’s annual yearbook, showcasing the regatta and featuring striking photography from past years, is available from outlets in Warkworth, Matakana, Snells Beach and Boat Books at Westhaven.
