Bay of Islands to host flotilla of tall ships and launches

A flotilla of tall ships and launches will be in the Bay of Islands in January for the 50th anniversary running of the Launch Rally and Tall Ships Regatta.

The Bay of Islands will host tall ships and classic motor vessels in two regattas including a Spectacle of Sail next month.

Online registrations for the Launch Rally and Tall Ships Regatta are closing soon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the spectacular event.

Hundreds of boaties will take part in the Classic Launch Rally on Friday, January 9 and the Tall Ships Regatta and hangi on Saturday, January 10.

The events are hosted by the Russell Boating Club.

Registration close online on December 30 for both events, but late registration can be made on both days at the clubhouse.

Hundreds of tall ships and launches will descend on the bay and there will be packed programmes of activities.

The Launch Rally begins at 10.30am on January 9 with a parade through the mooring area adjacent to the Russell Wharf before the rally proper starts at 11am. The classic sailing vessel Collee, owned by Gary Wilson, will be the committee boat for this rally.

The Launch Rally prize-giving will be held on the Russell Wharf at 4pm where the winning boats will be on display.

The Tall Ships Sailing Regatta starts at 12pm on January 10 with the All-Comers division start. The Tall Ships and Classic Invitation divisions start at 12.15pm. Both starts will be off the Russell Wharf.

The event marquee and clubhouse bars will open at 5pm. The Tall Ships prize-giving will be held about 6.30pm and the hangi lifting is at 7pm. Then the attendees can rock the night away with live music from The Tuarangi Road Band and Any Xcuse.

Northland’s famous tall ship The R Tucker Thompson will be at the event.

For more details and the entry criteria, read the Notice of Race (NoR) document at russellboatingclub.org.nz/tall-ships.html.