This annual regatta is a showcase for New Zealand’s unique classic yacht fleet. With a number of the gaff-rigged classic yachts, both large and small, now over 120 years old, it is a marvel to see them being raced as they were intended to when launched so many years ago. Such is the esteem in which Auckland’s classic yacht fleet is held, several Australian classic yachting friends again made their annual pilgrimage to sail on these yachts. They marvel at the number of truly classic yachts we have sailing and racing hard on the Waitematā.
The fleet enjoyed good breezes over the extended weekend. Sailing was centred around the Northern Leading area with a good mix of courses across most of harbour marks out beyond North Head, down to Iliomana and Motukorea, and out to Rangitoto Light. Friday afternoon was a 15-knot westerly, Saturday’s races were sailed in 15-18 knots with gusts to 25 knots and Sunday dawned very light delaying the start before two races were held in 10-15 knots of breeze to complete the regatta.
A-class fleet
The four fleets comprised A Class Gaff-rigged, A Class Bermudan-rigged, B Class classics and Modern Classics.
The A Class Gaff-rigged fleet saw the big boats Rawhiti (1905, Peter Brookes) and Ariki (1904, Robin Kenyon) dominate the line honours, with Rawhiti taking the series line honours.
On handicap, Rainbow (1898, David Glen) had a very strong regatta, and came away with the series handicap honours ahead of Rawhiti and Ngatira (1905, Steve Horsley). Ngatira was just back in the water after a major restoration and looked magnificent.
The A Class Bermudan-rigged fleet saw Tawera (1936, Mike Mahoney) dominating both line and handicap series honours ahead of Little Jim (1934, James Mortimer) and Prize (1923, Chad Thompson). This was a particularly meritorious performance by Tawera after they had to pull out all stops to fix their mast after breaking the top off the mast on Mahurangi Regatta weekend in late January.
B-class fleet
The B Class fleet comprised a mixed fleet of eight yachts with a wide range of size and rig styles, and some interesting stories too. It was great to see Wendy Muir and others in the Young family sailing Tango, the smart little C Class, for the first time in over 40 years, courtesy of the owner Andrew Mikkelson. And Ethel (1896), the long-storied and well-travelled ketch, was looking very smart too.
Teal (Andy Pitcher) dominated both line and handicap honours, with both podiums shared with Tango (Wendy Muir) and Jonquil (Daniel Renall).
Modern classics
In the Modern Classic fleet (boats designed before 1975), Ta’Aroa, the big S&S 50-footer long campaigned by the Gilfoyle family was the clear line honours winner in all races. However, Starlight (Townson, Richard Dodd) sailed very well and secured handicap honours ahead of Ta’Aroa and Princess (Stewart 34, Jon Nash).
Designer award
Rainbow and Little Jim combined, as Logan designed and built boats, to win the Designer Award.
Rainbow won the Best Overall Performing Yacht in all classes.
