Blustery winds tested crews, thinned some fleets, and delivered memorable racing as Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta racing spread from the Waitemata to the outer gulf.
A harbour that demanded respect
After a week of unsettled weather, Auckland Anniversary Day delivered exactly what seasoned boaties expect from late January. It was blustery, gusty, and occasionally wild. Winds regularly pushed beyond 30 knots, seas were short and steep in places, and the harbour asked some serious questions of crews and gear.
Not every fleet answered those questions. Some competitors chose to sit the day out, prioritising boats and budgets over bravado. That decision trimmed numbers in a few classes. However, those who did launch were rewarded with sharp racing, clear separation between the well prepared and the rest, and the kind of day that leaves stories lingering long after boats are back on their moorings.
Across the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland central played host to the traditional mixed fleet racing. Tugboats, launches, keelboats, dragon boats and radio controlled yachts all shared the stage, while further out towards Gulf Harbour, yacht clubs ran their own regattas under the same testing conditions.
Tugboats steal the show again
If there was one fleet perfectly suited to the conditions, it was the tugboats. Nine vessels lined up to contest the Tugboat Race, celebrating 20 years since the class was first included in the regatta. It remains one of the most distinctive sights on the harbour.
Heron Construction fielded four boats, including two dredging barges complete with digger arms and securely strapped portaloos. It was practical, slightly absurd, and uniquely Auckland. Around 100 Heron staff enjoyed a day on the water as part of the celebrations, adding atmosphere and colour to an already memorable race.
The classic launches followed with seven entries. In a strong showing, My Girl produced a blistering run to claim both line honours and provisional handicap honours, stretching the fleet and underlining just how quick a well sailed launch can be when conditions line up.
Modern keelboats also benefited from stronger fleet numbers than seen in recent years. The breeze compressed the racing, rewarded clean boat handling, and punished mistakes quickly.
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta 2026: Conditions test the keelboat fleet
Dragon boats and youth fleets rise to the challenge
Dragon Boat racing delivered one of the standout stories of the day. Fleet numbers reached record levels, including a milestone moment with four visiting China based teams joining the competition. The international crews raised the bar, taking out several titles, while local teams claimed others. The result was a balanced and competitive regatta that offered valuable learning across the fleet.
At Kohimarama Yacht Club, youth sailors once again showed why they are the backbone of Auckland sailing. Optimist and Starling sailors turned out in force, with around 160 young sailors contesting their Auckland Championships alongside Anniversary Day racing. The breeze was strong, the chop was real, and the smiles were genuine. It takes more than wind to keep these fleets ashore.
Elsewhere, Manly Sailing Club ran Open Skiffs, Fevas, Zephyrs and Wingfoils, splitting fleets into Silver and Gold divisions. Murray’s Bay Sailing Club hosted 420s and 29ers, while Tamaki Yacht Club ran ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 racing, with results remaining provisional at time of writing. Takapuna Boating Club was forced to cancel racing, a reminder that discretion remains part of good seamanship.
From Narrow Neck to Devonport and back
Sea Scouts Cutters, Navy Crowns and Sunbursts enjoyed a proper Anniversary Day adventure. Their course ran from Narrow Neck to Devonport Beach, where crews beached their boats for lunch before racing back again. It was spirited, physical sailing that leaned heavily on teamwork and confidence.
Radio controlled yacht racing also delivered close competition along the waterfront. Strong turnouts provided plenty of action for spectators, with tight manoeuvring and fast decision making on full display at miniature scale.
A spectacle on and above the water
Spectators turned out in force despite the weather. This year marked the first appearance of the new Sail Past, followed by an unforgettable flyover from four Warbirds Harvards. Their low passes, looping manoeuvres and smoke trails added drama as fleets made their way down the harbour beneath them.
It was a reminder that the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is as much about shared experience as it is about results. Boats, aircraft, wind, water, and people all played their part.
With results now in and some still provisional, one thing is already clear. The 2026 Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta delivered exactly what it promised. Honest conditions, committed sailors, and a harbour that reminded everyone why this regatta remains one of Auckland’s great summer traditions.
