At the front of the pack, it was all about the Mayflower. Skipper Stephen Larsen had his crew and vessel in fine form, claiming another victory with a blistering time of 30 minutes and 38 seconds. The Mayflower’s performance was a blasterclass in speed and precision, leaving her rivals scrambling in her wake. Mayflower also won the 2024 Regatta, and this year her nearest rival, Sterling, finished four-minutes behind.
But it wasn’t just about the outright winner. This year’s lineup of tugboats was as diverse as it gets, blending cutting-edge innovation with pieces of living history. Take Sparky, for example, who debuted at last year’s regatta. At first glance, she doesn’t look like your typical tug—a bright green electric vessel with a sleek profile that screams modernity. Dubbed the world’s first fully electric tugboat, Sparky is a sign of where the industry is headed. She can pull her weight, too—literally—with a bollard pull of 70 tonnes. Though she finished sixth with a time of 42 minutes and 57 seconds, her impact goes far beyond this race. Saving 465 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, she’s proof that sustainability and power can go hand-in-hand.
In fact, the fiercest battle of the race unfolded between Tuihaua, skippered by Aaron Shipman securing fifth place, and Sparky, the sixth-place finisher. The two were locked in a tight contest, with just 19 hard-earned seconds separating them at the finish line
And then there were the workhorses. Vessels like Koraki, a 1985 19.7-metre twin diesel tug, and Rawhiti, a 12.89-metre steel tug, both owned by Total Marine and both showed up ready to fight. They weren’t the fastest, but their resilience and raw strength added to the event’s appeal.
The Performance Handicap System (PHS) results added another layer of drama. Matakana, skippered by Ross Smedley, came out on top, taking the PHS handicap honours and proving that consistency and strategy matter just as much as speed. She was followed by Turihaua in second and Rawhiti in third, shaking up the order and giving the underdogs their moment in the spotlight.
What makes the Tugboat Race special is how it reflects Auckland’s maritime character. It’s not just about boats speeding around the harbour; it’s a celebration of the vessels that keep our ports running, our bridges standing, and our history alive. It’s the perfect mix of grit, innovation, and nostalgia.
From the cutting-edge technology of Sparky to the timeless charm of the William C. Daldy, this year’s race showcased it all. And as the Mayflower once again claimed victory, Aucklanders were reminded why this quirky, hard-fought race continues to be one of the most beloved events on the Waitematā. It’s more than just a competition—it’s a reminder of our connection to the sea and the boats that have shaped our city.
