Some of the country's oldest classic boats will be seen out on the Waitemata this weekend, taking part in the three-day Southern Trust Classic Yacht regatta, from Friday until Sunday.
Races start at 11am each day, with four races in each category.
Around 80 boats are entered across eight
divisions, with many of the competing vessels beautifully restored and considered part of New Zealand's maritime heritage. Among them is Rawhiti, which The Aucklander profiled ahead of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta. Rawhiti will also be moored at the Viaduct from Friday onwards, in between racing for the public to see.
Chair of Tino Rawa Trust, Tony Stevenson, a group that's focused on the preservation of New Zealand's old boats, says it's a chance for the public to see the great work and restoration that's gone into boats like one of the 10 the trust owns, the 1905 Wairiki. Wairiki was designed and built by legendary boat builder Arch Logan.
Mr Stevenson says the boats themselves are a spectacle, and to see them together on the Harbour is wonderful.
"Best places for viewing the regatta from land will be North Head or Bastion Point," he says. "But the boats will also be part of an off-water display at the Viaduct Event Centre on Sunday for people interested in finding out more about their history."
It's the 11th year of the regatta, and boats compete in gaff or Bermudan divisions, or a combination. Trophies and cups are fiercely fought for, but the event is renowned for its camaraderie.
