Yachting: Regatta to mark 170th year of spectacles

New Zealand's oldest sporting event, the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, will celebrate its 170th anniversary with a celebration of our maritime history and heritage on land and sea on Monday.

The Waitemata Harbour will come alive in one of the world's biggest one-day regattas, with a spectacular fleet of sail boats, classic yachts, tugboats and two Australian craft taking part in the event.

"The regatta is synonymous with Auckland's celebration of its birthday and embraces all classes of sail boats including classic yachts and tugboats and all classes of sailors," said organising committee chairman Eric Mahoney.

"Anniversary Day regattas have been a training ground for many of the current world champions, Olympic and America's Cup yachties and there will be a full fleet of some of our fastest and most innovative craft racing.

"The regatta will also provide a rare opportunity to witness the revival of some of our great classic yachts and workboats which have been beautifully restored to their original glory."

A fleet of Auckland's legendary racing yachts will battle for line honours including Thelma, Rainbow, Ranger, Gloriana, Tawera, Wairiki and Little Jim. Many of these vessels will be lit tomorrow evening at their moorings in Viaduct Harbour.

Joining the 170th celebrations will be two Australian classic yachts, Wrath of Odin and Fair Winds, which will then compete in the four-day Southern Trust Classic yacht regatta starting on February 12.

A highlight of the day will again be the tugboat race featuring some 30 tugs and towing launches, many of them vintage vessels, from around Auckland, Northland and Bay of Plenty.

A new course has been set with the finish line off the southern end of Devonport Wharf, providing great vantage points for landlubbers to enjoy the action.

The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate Te Mana will be anchored off Orakei as flagship for the day.

In addition, HMNZS Taupo, one of the new inshore patrol vessels, will be the official race committee boat for the event and will be positioned on the start line off the end of Princes Wharf.

The best vantage points for viewing the races will be North Head, Bastion Pt and Orakei.