Weather doesn't deter Anniversary Day yachties

Heavy rain and windy squalls are not dampening the spirits of the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta as the midday flotilla of tug boats made their parade through the Viaduct Harbour.

Action has gone without a hitch with a Parade of Sail including around 500 vessels including classic yachts and vintage tug boats starting at the Viaduct.

Organiser Eric Henry speaking from The Royal New Zealand Navy Frigate Te Kaha says the 20 knot winds have made for some great yachting and the tug boats have been a spectacular sight racing between North Head and Rangitoto.

He says the midday Tugboat parade is a highlight of the days celebrations and he believes it is a world first.