Steve Horsley writes from Auckland

It’s been three years since we had a great regatta like the days of old. 2022 saw a depleted regatta with post covid social events still in the no-go minds of council organisations. So the regatta was held but no shoreside prize giving, BBQ’s, marquee and West City Jazz Orchestra. People did go ashore with personal bbq’s and defied social distancing. Results were posted onboard Martin Farrand’s Moerangi.

2023 just didn’t happen. A second in the history of the modern regatta. Cyclone Gabriel hit the north Island with calamitous results. Flooding, slips, and high winds.

First recorded in 1858, the regatta was then held sporadically until Mahurangi Action, formally known as Friends of the Mahurangi revived the annual tradition with beach events and the catch phrase of ‘bring no money’. The Mahurangi Cruising Club hold the regatta and Mahurangi Action the beach events and marquee and big band.

This Years Regatta attracted 110 entries of all sizes and was held in overcast conditions and a light norwester. The on water event kicked off with off 50+ classic launches assembling off Scott’s Landing and parading down the harbour in single file to Sullivans Bay where the beach events are took place. In the past there is a commentator giving a brief description of the launch, builder and power units, this year not so. This is the premium show case of these beautiful loved powered vessels. Other classes included The Te Haupa Div for classic wooden yachts under 20ft, Mahurangi Div for classic wooden yachts pre 1955 design, Mid Century Classics for yachts designed and built between 1955 and 1985. Stewart 34 Div, A Class Div for yachts over 40ft designed and built before 1985, Frostbites and sailing dinghies, L class Mullet boats and a Traditional Spirit Div for yachts of any age and construction conforming to a traditional spirit in design.