Two championship sailing titles will be contested at Auckland Anniversary Regatta on 28 January 2013.
At least 500 boats are expected to grace Auckland's harbour for the city's birthday celebration, and amongst them will be young sailors competing for two Auckland Championship titles.
These are the Auckland Championships for the Starling class, to be held at Maraetai Beach, and the Auckland Championships for the Optimist Class, to be held at Wakatere Boating Club, on the North Shore.
Both classes attract serious young sailors: The Optimist is one of the most popular sailing boats in the world, and is popular as a learn to sail boat for children, that is also raced up to world championship level. The Starling, designed by the late Des Townson, is unique to New Zealand, is fun and exciting to sail, and is a platform that launches many young sailors into Olympic classes and a lifetime as sailors.
For youth sailors, both events are prestigious and hard fought for, and sailors will attend that represent yacht clubs throughout Auckland.