Issue date
Organisers of the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta are encouraging keelboat owners to support the event, in light of low numbers in the modern keeler divisions.
Executive officer for the event, Joyce Talbot, says the regatta is always well supported by the classic yacht fleet and by classes like the Reactors, but the number of modern keelers has dwindled in recent years, possibly as a result of boats being away from Auckland at events like the Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
“We know a lot of Auckland’s racing fleet head north for Bay of Islands Sailing Week, but not all of them, and a lot of them come back on Anniversary Weekend, too," Talbot said.
“We’d love to have their support to boost our harbour racing fleets, and to give the boats who have already entered some real competition. The last thing we want is for a name to be permanently engraved on our historic trophy collection by default.”
Talbot said the regatta is a great option for Auckland keelboats, particularly those based at Westhaven.
“When there's an opportunity to join in one of the world's biggest one-day regattas, an iconic event that's been running for 179 years, with a huge pool of prizes and cash to be won, right on your own doorstep, you have to admit you'd be crazy not to enter.”
Entries for the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta are closing soon, but you can still enter for just $30 until Wednesday, January 23. Late entries will still be accepted until Friday, January 25 at a cost of $40.
Entry is quick and easy online at www.regatta.org.nz.
