More than 100 sailing boats of every size and vintage are expected to take part in Northland's biggest sailing spectacle on Saturday.
The Bay of Islands' Tall Ships and Classic Invitational Race, now in its 43rd year, is not so much a serious race as a celebration of sail and a chance for boaties to admire each other's lovingly restored vessels.
It is also a social event culminating in one of Northland's biggest hangi — up to 1000 hungry boaties are catered for in some years — and a party which runs into the wee small hours.
Organisers at the Russell Boating Club expect more than 100 entries given a promising forecast of 10-12 knot south-southwesterly winds.
While it's always a surprise to see who turns up on the day one of the standout vessels already confirmed is a 20m Col Wild-designed ketch named Windhaven. With the Spirit of New Zealand required elsewhere this year, the only square rigger taking part will be Northland's own R Tucker Thompson.