City of Sails takes to the water

By WAYNE THOMPSON

Team New Zealand's black boats gave an added thrill for thousands of spectators during yesterday's New Zealand Herald Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, but Alinghi came to the rescue of some yachties.

About 500 yachts - ranging from the world's most modern racers to century-old classics - competed in testing winds of up to 30 knots in choppy waters yesterday.

Spectators lined vantage points along the Waitemata Harbour and East Coast Bays.

John O'Brien, chairman of the regatta committee, said the biggest thrill was watching the sleek supermaxi Alfa Romeo, fresh from winning line honours in the Sydney-Hobart race. Team New Zealand spent part of the day practising on the America's Cup course. But the session was cut short when the wind became too strong.

Challengers Alinghi spent the day snug at their base at Viaduct Harbour but the Swiss syndicate's tender - taking supporters out for a look at the regatta - came to the rescue of a disabled vessel in the feature M-Class event.

The M-Class fleet of 18-footers was celebrating its 80th birthday with races against the classic 18-foot skiffs entered by seven Australian crews.

One of the Auckland boats, Mach One, broke its mast after a 30-knot gust came through as the crew were recovering from a capsize. Skipper Neil Bassant said the crew had just righted the boat, which was half-full of water and with the spinnaker half set, when the gust struck.

"We got towed in by the Alinghi chaseboat," he said.

The Coastguard praised sailors for their skills and common sense.

Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/marine