Wooden boat festival to be launched in 2013

Wooden boats on Lake Rotoiti. Photo / Supplied

The Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand is planning to hold an inaugural New Zealand Classic Wooden Boat Festival in Auckland in 2013.

CYA chairman Steve Cranch says he hopes to stage the festival in and around the newly redeveloped Wynyard Quarter in February or March.

He says the festival will be a celebration of New Zealand's maritime heritage, with a focus on the enjoyment of classic wooden boating.

"It is envisaged that the event will see more than 60 classic vessels on display, including yachts, launches and work boats, and all open for viewing," he says.

Cranch says classic boating is undergoing a worldwide resurgence.

"Auckland's incredible connection with the sea means New Zealand has one of the most significant collections of original and restored locally designed and built vessels still in regular use," he says. "The CYA currently has more than 200 classic vessels on its register."

The CYA is a not-for-profit association that includes owners of classic wooden boats and others with an interest in them.

"Its main reason for being is to stimulate a greater interest in classic boats and to promote their restoration and preservation," Cranch says. "The association co-ordinates an annual calendar of races and events on and off the water."

A steering group to promote the proposed classic wooden boat festival has been formed and is investigating suitable waterfront venues and dates, and liaising with potential partners.