Back to the classics

By ROBIN BAILEY

The break between the end of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series and the start of New Zealand's America's Cup defence next year will provide on-the-water action at a level never previously seen in this part of the world.

For the first time an International Classic Yacht Regatta will be raced, from February 6 to 9. This will be followed by the Millennium Cup 2003, an expanded version of the inaugural 2000 event for superyachts, running from February 10 to 13.

In that 2000 Millennium Cup event, millions of dollars-worth of the biggest pleasure boats afloat raced from Auckland to Kawau Island. It gave New Zealand huge international exposure as TV networks here for the cup defence brought their audiences unparalleled coverage of big boys with seriously big toys having expensive fun in our playground.

In 2000 the accent was mainly on modern superyachts, both powered and sailing versions, with the beautiful 1933 J-class America's Cup campaigner Velsheda helping to show the flag for yachting as it was in the distant past.

For next year, the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand is planning to put a great deal more emphasis on sailing in the yachts that association members here cherish. The race organisers hope their programme will entice like-minded sailors from around the world to take part in what they believe will be the greatest classic yachting event staged in the Southern Hemisphere.

Spokesman for the regatta is steering committee member Chad Thompson who, as a second day job, skippers and charters Prize, the 50-footer designed and built in 1923 by Chas Bailey jnr. Thompson is convinced his team, working with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, has put together the right programme.

"We will have four days of racing on the Waitemata and in the Hauraki Gulf with Kawau Island as the base," Thompson says. "Kawau offers picturesque, safe anchorages and great racing around the Gulf islands. There are excellent facilities ashore provided by the squadron, and further shore-based accommodation for family and friends is available at Pah Farm, on the southern side of Bon Accord Harbour."

To make sure they cater for the widest range of boats, there are special divisions covering gaff-rigged yachts of all sizes and Bermudan classics right up to J-Class yachts. There will also be events for classic launches. The organisers even plan divisions for modern yachts built after 1950 but of traditional materials and lines.

On Thursday, February 6 the classics will race from Orakei Wharf to Kawau. Next day there will be two races starting and finishing in Kawau Bay and taking in differing Gulf Island courses. The fleet will race back to Westhaven on the Saturday. The final day's activity on Sunday will include a 10am Parade of Sail from Westhaven to Orakei Wharf. The last race of the regatta starts off Orakei Wharf at noon and finishes back at Westhaven.

Thompson says he believes his organising team have achieved their double objective. "We will introduce the competing sailors, particularly those from overseas, to some of our best cruising waters and scenery, while the courses will also provide plenty of opportunity for Auckland's sailing spectators to catch the action."

Classic yachting enthusiasts will have the opportunity of seeing two of our most famous craft up close at the New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland from May 30 to June 3. The magnificently restored 1880 Robert Logan 28ft centreboard cutter Jessie Logan will be there alongside the 50ft Tawera. Designed by Arch Logan, Tawera was built in 1935 by Colin Wild at Stanley Bay for Scott Wilson, whose family had owned the original Tawera, built by Robert Logan snr in 1883.