2026 Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta: Tugboats, dragon boats, and youth sailors battle gusty conditions

Auckland experienced gusty winds and choppy seas for the 2026 Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, following a week of wild weather.

Challenging conditions led to reduced fleets in some events, as several competitors opted to protect their vessels. Modern keelboat divisions, however, saw stronger numbers and highly competitive racing compared with recent years.

The tugboat fleet was well-suited to the conditions, with nine vessels competing in the Tugboat Race, marking the 20th anniversary of the event’s inclusion in the regatta. Heron Construction entered four boats, including two dredging barges equipped with digger arms and secured portaloos, with around 100 staff participating.

Seven classic launches also competed, with My Girl recording line and handicap victories.

Dragon boat racing featured record-breaking fleet numbers, including four visiting China-based teams. International crews won several titles, while local teams took others, producing a balanced set of results across the fleet.

Youth sailors also had a strong presence at Kohimarama Yacht Club, where approximately 160 Optimist and Starling competitors contested their Auckland Championships alongside regatta racing.

Racing extended to Manly Sailing Club, Murray’s Bay Sailing Club, and Tamaki Yacht Club, with Sailability fleets competing at Bayswater. Sea Scouts Cutters, Navy Crowns, and Sunbursts completed a course from Narrow Neck to Devonport Beach, beaching for lunch before returning to the start line.

Radio-controlled yacht competitions also drew significant entries, providing additional waterfront action.

Spectators witnessed the inaugural Sail Past, followed by a flyover from four Harvard warbirds, which performed loops and smoke displays as winds exceeded 30 knots.

The regatta is scheduled to return next year.

Full results here.