Yachting: Classic line-up for Anniversary regatta

By JULIE ASH

She may be 109 years old, but skipper Tony Blake isn't expecting any problems from the classic yacht Waitangi when she sets sail in the Auckland Anniversary Regatta on Monday.

Built in Devonport in 1894, the 17m yacht is the oldest boat taking part in the New Zealand Herald Auckland Anniversary.

It is owned by a classic yacht charitable trust and returned to New Zealand from Melbourne last year after being refurbished for her centenary.

"She is one of the most historic yachts in Auckland at the present time," said Blake, the brother of the late Sir Peter Blake.

"She is beautiful to sail but because there are no winches it means we need a fairly good-sized crew. Also, being gaff rigged makes it more complicated."

The classic yachts will race from Mahurangi to Orakei Wharf, a journey which Blake estimates is around 22 nautical miles.

"If it is a run we can average seven to eight knots but if it is a slog with the wind ahead of us it could take us five or six hours. If there are no winds or light winds it could take us a lot longer.

"She gets along well. Certainly not as fast as a modern boat, but it is the character of the boat, it is such a lovely boat."

The 35 races in the regatta are expected to attract entries from yachts in more than 60 classes ranging from little Optimists to vintage A class keelers and historic yachts.

Racing takes places on both the Manukau and Waitemata harbours and is expected to involve some 300 boats and around 1000 sailors.

In its 164th year, the regatta is New Zealand's oldest sporting event.

The first Auckland regatta was held on the day the city was founded on September 18, 1840 - 11 years before the first America's Cup match was sailed in 1851.

"I think it has lasted so long because it has been supported by people such as the New Zealand Herald, the Navy and entities like the Ports of Auckland and also the sailing fraternity of both the Waitemata Harbour and Manukau Harbour," said Regatta chairman Jon Hollies

"It is just the whole community of Auckland getting together supporting Auckland's birthday."

Event organisers have restored and had valued 50 of the regatta's original cups and trophies.

The oldest trophy restored was the Georgian sterling silver Lewis Tankard trophy hallmarked London 1744, while the oldest cup was the sterling silver Agnes Cup dated 1861.

"They have got significant value and that is why they are held at the Maritime Museum," Hollies said.

"The winners get their hands on them on the day but then promptly give them back again," he said.

Some of the best places to catch the action from 9.30am to 5pm are Bastion Point, Mission Bay, Fred Ambler Lookout (Parnell), North Head, Takapuna Beach and near the Kiwi Esplanade on the Manukau Harbour.