Winds die in time for regatta

Spectators on top of North Head , Devonport , watch the Auckland Anniversary Regatta. Photo / Martin Sykes

Organisers of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta are relieved after the wild weather accompanying Cyclone Wilma cleared in time for today's event.

A race for classic yachts from Auckland to Mahurangi was cancelled on Friday after Wilma brought torrential rain and high winds to the upper North Island. The old yachts, many expertly restored, were to have returned from Mahurangi in time for the start of today's regatta.

"That was a great disappointment, because it's one of the best regattas of its kind in the southern hemisphere," said the chairman of the regatta's organising committee, Eric Mahoney.

The regatta began in 1840 - 11 years before the first America's Cup was held in the Isle of Wight in 1851. It had been cancelled only once before in 1900 due to the Boer War.

It is now one of the biggest one-day regattas in the world, with Mr Mahoney predicting around 500 entries in the yachting classes alone.

He said while the races from Mahurangi and the outer islands to Auckland were cancelled, entries would still be accepted on the day.

"For the keel boat divisions people are encouraged to re-enter from the start line off Princes Wharf, in the various divisions that commence sailing at 10am."

The best views of the Classic A division starting at 11.30am, featuring "fabled and historic yachts from a bygone era", will be around Princes Wharf near the Viaduct Harbour entrance. Other good viewing spots are Bastion Pt, North Head, East Coast Bays, Tamaki Drive and Orakei Wharf.

A team skippered by Russell Coutts will be trialling an AC45 catamaran on the harbour, enabling spectators to get a glimpse of the class of boats now used in the America's Cup.

Mr Mahoney said the regatta would begin with a tug boat race finishing at Devonport Wharf followed by a dragon boat race in the Viaduct Harbour.

Radio-controlled yachts will race at Westhaven Marina and Wattle Farm in Manurewa.

"[The regatta] is power, paddle, sail and steam. Waka Ama races will be on, tug boats, and of course all the classic yachts."

BEST VIEWING

* The classic A division race starts at 11.30am.

* Best views will be around Princes Wharf near the Viaduct Harbour entrance.

* Other good viewing spots are Bastion Pt, North Head, East Coast Bays, Tamaki Drive and Orakei Wharf.