An impressive fleet of tugboats and classic launches put on an exciting show for the crowds of spectators gathered on the Westhaven breakwater to watch the racing on Auckland Anniversary Day, January 27. While the windy conditions prevented many of the classic yachts and keelers from taking part, there was still plenty to watch and enjoy throughout the City of Sails on her 185th birthday.
Among the stars of the day were the Waka Ama fleet who bravely paddled against strong winds from Orakei to Westhaven to start their race, with all ages from teenagers to those in their 70s represented among the crews.
In the Viaduct Harbour the Dragon Boat racing was fiercely contested by scores of colourful crews, much to the delight of onlookers around the shore. Meanwhile in St Mary’s Bay, the smallest boats in the regatta – the Electron and IOM class radio controlled yachts – put on a similarly impressive show for passers-by on the Westhaven Promenade.
Murrays Bay Sailing Club hosted huge fleets of young Optimist and Starling sailors, battling it out for their Auckland Championships, while at Kohimarama Yacht Club, the 29er, 420 and 470 Associations held their Auckland Championships.
Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club, Manly Sailing Club and Takapuna Boating Club also hosted centreboard racing, making this one the world’s biggest single-day regattas by participant numbers.
The regatta also opened the six-week Moana Auckland festival.
Results: https://regatta.org.nz/regatta-results/regatta-results-2025/
Photos: Live Sail Die.
