The waters of the Napier Sailing Club are home to many international sailors who have transformed their favourite pastime into a full-time career.
Professional sailor Andrew Estcourt started with his father at the Napier Sailing Club aged just 8 and was in his own boat by 9.
"We'd go out all day on weekends, that's how I started off. It was a bit of a family affair, we would jump into the car almost every public holiday because there was always a regatta on," he said.
Mr Estcourt said he sailed in many of the New Year Regattas and while disappointed the event had come to an end he said it was an understandable demise.
"Until I left town around the age of 17 I always did the New Year Regattas. I'd always looked forward to them. I guess like a lot of sports though, it's hard to get the numbers up.