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The waters off Sullivans Bay will once again witness the much-loved Mahurangi Regatta on January 27, an historical all-day event featuring a series of races on the Mahurangi Harbour, followed by evening entertainment at Scotts Landing.
Among the divisions are A class, racing out and around Moturekareka Island through Blanch Channel before returning; and the prestigious Mahurangi class, for wooden boats of pre-1955 design. Others include Traditional Spirit, for boats of any age, type, material and construction that conform to the traditional spirit of a design predating 1955; and Te Haupa, traditional small sailboats under 20 feet.
First recorded in 1858, the regatta was then held sporadically until Mahurangi Action revived it in 1977. Mahurangi Cruising Club has hosted it since 1990.
It had traditionally been held on the first weekend after Christmas bringing favourable tides, but since 1979 has been held on the Saturday of Auckland Anniversary weekend, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a full weekend of sailing, capped by Monday’s annual Auckland Anniversary Regatta.
Trailer boats are usually allowed to launch for the Mahurangi Regatta from Sullivans Bay, but the ramp there has been closed due to storm erosion, so trailer boats will need to be launched at Wenderholm or Opahi Bay. The traditional beach picnic run by Mahurangi Action at Sullivans Bay will a lower key event, but will include the traditional races for children.
The prizegiving and dance at Scotts Landing are scheduled to go ahead, wrapping up what promises to be a fabulous day out on the last long weekend of summer.
All entries must be made online at mahurangicruisingclub.org, before midnight on January 25.
