Every first weekend of December, Waiake Beach on Auckland’s North Shore becomes a hub for youth sailing. Hosted by Torbay Sailing Club, the Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta is now the Southern Hemisphere’s largest mixed centreboard youth regatta, with its 24th edition scheduled for 5-6 December 2026.
The event has grown into a major fixture on New Zealand’s sailing calendar. In 2025, 352 sailors raced 327 boats across 15 fleets, representing 32 clubs from New Zealand, Singapore and New Caledonia. More than 150 volunteers supported the regatta on and off the water.
Classes span the full development pathway, from Optimist Green Fleet through to ILCA, 29er, RS Feva, 420 and iQFOiL, allowing first-time racers to compete alongside future Olympic and America’s Cup hopefuls. Regatta Director David Wright credits the event’s success to its consistent format, venue and purpose.
What sets the Blake apart is its focus on character as well as competition. Sportsmanship awards sit alongside podium medals, while beginner fleets race around playful flamingo, unicorn and peacock marks rather than traditional buoys, creating a welcoming environment for new sailors.
The regatta’s premier honour, the Sir Peter Blake Trophy, recognises leadership, attitude and contribution to the sport. Previous winners include Olympic champions Jo Aleh, Peter Burling and Sam Meech. In 2025, the award went to 29er sailors Nelsen Meacham and Louis Quere.
Sir Peter Blake’s legacy remains a visible presence. His Whitbread-winning yacht Steinlager II visited during the 2024 regatta, while Lion New Zealand joined the event in 2025, offering young sailors a tangible connection to New Zealand’s sailing history.
For a club regatta, the Blake has an outsized influence. Equal parts grassroots festival and talent pathway, it continues to showcase the strength of New Zealand’s sailing pipeline from a small beach in Torbay.
