By ROBIN BAILEY
The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta has always been rich in history, and the event on Monday, January 29, 2001 will again emphasise traditional links to our maritime past.
The Navy will play a pivotal role, just as it did for the first regatta 161 years ago as sailors
from men-of-war anchored in the harbour organised inter-ship sailing and pulling contests.
Maori canoes and European settlers joined in and the regatta soon grew to include watercraft of all kinds.
Navy whalers no longer race as part of the regatta as they did for so many years. Rigid inflatable boats replaced people-powered whalers in 1990. But the service will again play a pivotal role. The Anzac frigate Te Kaha will be guardship for the regatta.
Next year for the first time, yacht and dinghy races have been organised on the Manukau harbour as an official part of the regatta.
Also for the first time this year is the iTouch Point-to-Point Challenge. This multi-sport event involves kayaking, orienteering and cycling on a demanding route through Manukau and Waitakere.
In the past the naval presence provided the safety and rescue role for competitors. Today agencies such as the Coastguard and club patrols look after that aspect of the regatta. Bedecked with flags, Te Kaha will be start vessel for some of the major regatta races, and will host the Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie-Boys.
The Senior Naval Officer in Auckland has traditionally been patron of the regatta, and for 2001 the Maritime Commander, New Zealand, Commodore Mike Wardlaw, fills that post aboard Te Kaha.
Being looked after by the 175 sailors aboard Te Kaha will be 200 paying guests for the Herald Foundation regatta lunch.
Proceeds from the $230 a head gala will be used to give young people in the Greater Auckland area the opportunity, skills and encouragement to use our harbours, rivers and lakes safely.
