Good blow forecast for yachties' big day

Races in this year's regatta will be faster than in 2004, when winds were low. Picture /Martin Sykes

Organisers are hoping predicted winds will give an extra spurt to racing for the 165th year of the Anniversary Day regatta, New Zealand's oldest sporting event and one of the largest one-day regattas in the world.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said expected rain on Anniversary Day might now hold off until Tuesday, but the easterly winds should be strong enough to make racing interesting.

"There is a big breeze, quite a stiff easterly, blowing in towards Auckland. Waitemata Harbour should have winds of 20 knots, gusting to 30. On the Hauraki Gulf north of Whangaparaoa, we are expecting 25 knots, gusting to 40, but that might ease.

"It's good for the big boats, but some of the smaller ones might find it quite choppy."

He said there would be higher chop on the water in mid-afternoon as the wind blowing into the harbour met the tide on its way out.

High tide was at about 12.30pm.

Regatta spokeswoman Karen Bradshaw said the forecast promised quicker races than last year.

"The wind should be great for racing. Last year the wind was low so it took much longer for them to finish."

The regatta, a celebration of Auckland's birthday and official recognition of the arrival of Captain Hobson in New Zealand, starts at 9am.

There are about 1000 sailors in 35 races of yachts in more than 60 classes - from Optimists to keelers and historic yachts, such as Waitangi, skippered by Tony Blake.

There are passage races to Orakei Wharf from Kawau Island, Orapiu, Mahurangi, and Rakino Island, starting at 9.30am; centreboard races on the Waitemata start at 11am.

Racing on the Manukau Harbour begins at 11am, with age-group races for Optimists up to the larger trailer yachts, multihulls and centreboarders.

The public can join a midday Heritage Sail from North Head.

Radio-controlled yacht racing will be taking place at the inner Viaduct harbour at 10.30am, heritage yachts and classic motor launches will parade between 11am and 1pm. There is also an outrigger regatta at Archibald Park in Kelston, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

Other entertainment includes public cruises and the Navy band.