From seeking out dolphins, unpredictable weather, and camaraderie, former Napier mayor and keen sailor Barbara Arnott has fond memories of the New Year Regatta.
Mrs Arnott has been sailing since the 1980s, when she was encouraged by Bob Witham, Elderberry Wine skipper.
"Being out in the water's wonderful, it's just a new medium. I find just being on the water that's all you think of ... the water and wind. Your mind doesn't travel to work or commitments," she said.
Over the 30 years she has been enjoying the sport, she has moved from sailing in Sunbursts, to Noelex 22 and 25s, and sailed in about 20 regattas - including this year's.
Mrs Arnott - who was mayor of Napier from 2001 to 2013 - had fond memories of the event.
As well as unpredictable weather - which always seemed to mark the regatta - she said most of her memories were about her camaraderie with her crew - such as playing charades as they waited for the race to start.