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The Mahurangi Regatta on Saturday January 28 will mark 40 years since its revival by community group Mahurangi Action.
The first recorded event was in 1858, but it lapsed during World War II. Mahurangi Action founding member Cimino Cole says when they rekindled the regatta in 1977 he had no idea that it would still be going strong 40 years later.
“Initially it was just going to be a one off, but it became obvious that it had to be an annual event because it brought people from both sides of the Mahurangi Harbour together as a community,” Cimino says.
Mahurangi Action chair and Rodney Local Board member Tessa Berger has fond memories of the regatta.
“It’s a must-attend summer event and I welcome a challenger to contest my long-held ‘backwards running’ race title,” Tessa says.
The day starts at Sullivans Bay at 11am with a range of family events, both on and off the water. New for this year will be a paddleboard relay race open to novice adults and children.
Yacht races start at 1pm with over 100 classic wooden boats competing. The 109-year-old, Warkworth-based scow Jane Gifford will again serve as flagship and race starting boat.
The course runs twice around Saddle Island and back up the harbour to Scotts Landing. The prize-giving and dance gets underway at 6pm with the 18-piece Prohibition Big Band belting out 1950’s style swing.
The free event is funded through a $4000 grant from Auckland Council’s Regional Events fund. Teak Construction has also signed up as the major sponsor.
Cimino says the event gets larger every year attracting over 2000 people.
“The original regatta committee lived through the Depression. We have stayed true to that good old-fashioned ideal; leave your wallet at home and bring a picnic because there’s nothing to spend money on. People find that very refreshing.”
Info: mahurangi.org.nz
