KEY POINTS:
Sunny weather and glistening water made for a glorious day out yesterday as hundreds of Aucklanders turned out to this year's annual Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.
Both young and old - most of them sheltered under sun hats - surrounded the Waitemata Harbour for the 169th regatta.
A parade of sail in the morning started the day off, showcasing hundreds of vessels of all sizes including tugboats, tall ships and classic heritage yachts.
Later viewers got a treat when the 129-year-old Jessie Logan - New Zealand's first champion yacht and oldest racing vessel - took to the harbour. Other heritage classic yachts out yesterday included the Waitangi, Rainbow, Fidelis, Thelma and Ragtime (Infidel).
Regatta organising committee chairman Eric Mahoney said the "incident-free" day had been a fantastic display of some of the country's - and the world's - finest vessels.
"We ticked all the boxes here today - good weather, smooth racing - providing a wonderful spectacle for the people of Auckland on this special day.
"The conditions were absolutely ideal and all in all, it was a festival of sailing - just wonderful."
The Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana also made an appearance at yesterday's big race, while contenders for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series made most of the good conditions, putting in some practice before the start of Friday's competition.
"Next year will be extra special," said Mr Mahoney. "We've got some exciting things planned for the 170th - It's a good excuse for a party, isn't it?"
