Yachting: Gusty winds put crews on their mettle

Arcturus sailing in the Classic A division passes HMNZS Taupo on Waitemata Harbour. Photo / Sergeant Chris Weissenborn

Strong gusts made for a testing time on the water for those taking part in this year's Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta racing fleet.

Crews were put to the test yesterday as powerful winds saw increasingly rough waters beating against vessels.

It was a vast contrast to last year's event, the 169th regatta, when glistening waters and hot weather made for a perfect day out for sailors and the hundreds of spectators.

A 500-strong fleet of various vessels - including racing keelers, classic yachts, dinghies and tall ships - competed in yesterday's event, which at times proved to be a mighty challenge, regatta spokeswoman Susan Robinson-Derus said.

"It was quite wild out there. Normally we've had extraordinarily lovely weather for the event but [yesterday's] was rough," she said. "For sailors, they had such a good time - they really had to bring out all their tricks."

Strong winds forced organisers to cancel the Mahurangi to Princes Wharf dash for safety reasons.

There were also reports of capsizes and gear failures because of the weather, but there were no reports of injuries, Mrs Robinson-Derus said.

The bigger vessels, including giant, modern tugboats, eased through the rough waters and windy conditions, but it was not so easy for smaller vessels.

The frigate HMNZS Te Mana was the flagship for yesterday's event, which was extra special because it was the 170th regatta.

At least two vessels and their crews from Australia made the trip across the Tasman to compete this year.

Organisers are planning to bring over more ships from Australia for next year's event, to provide healthy competition, Mrs Robinson-Derus said.

"It's a real community affair and what we were thrilled about was to have the two Australian boats come across," she said. "It gives us more challenges and also provides good and healthy competition."

Spectator numbers were low because of the weather, but a large group of dedicated onlookers turned up at Viaduct Harbour to watch the tugboat races.

Last year's event drew huge crowds as heritage yachts, including the 129-year-old Jessie Logan - the country's first champion yacht and oldest racing vessel - took to the water.