As many as 100 vessels in three fleets took part in Russell Boating Club's 44th Tall Ships and Classic Invitational Race on Saturday, with fine weather attracting a near-record number of entries plus a record number of revellers at the famous post-race hāngi and dance. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
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Bay of Islands historic sailing day attracts record numbers
More than a boat race: First-timer's account of Bay of Islands Tall Ships race
![The junk-rigged schooner Arcadian and the Opua-based tall ship R Tucker Thompson await the noon start. Photo / Peter de Graaf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GY32W2ZLUUEJXFR2FRNEJVIWPA.jpg?auth=fa12eaa5d427e31624c287fafee2ce100e789f35b7c5cf2cf53e23c1c5769fde&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)
![The 34m superyacht Silvertip, in the all-comers fleet, was the first to complete the course and the winner of the Cock of the Bay trophy. Photo / Peter de Graaf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CT3LQS6IHDMWZUGEFQ2YSHNMKY.jpg?auth=3c3e1e8185100601a74c961f4f846e667deb7acc2044dc4071c0c8ffd86c2f24&width=16&height=23&quality=70&smart=true)
![Pantagruel, a 18.5m German-owned yawl from 1920, leads the fleet past the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Photo / Peter de Graaf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DD4KKGL42EA6NTHCL3YHKJ46WY.jpg?auth=28596787395ab3e81bd44dae59ab7413af90e3a64eb77c46c4703734aeb0b72b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)