Congratulations to all those who participated in this year’s Launch Rally and Tall Ships Regatta. A massive thank you to the supporters and dozens of volunteers who greatly assisted with the running of this two-day event. Without the generous supporters and the volunteer army, this event could never happen!

This year’s regatta was sailed in an 8-15kt northerly, which resulted in a windward leg to the first mark off the Black Rocks, a reach across the southern side of Roberton Island to a second mark off Whangaiwahine Point, and then a reach and run to the finish via Tapeka Point. 

The quickest yacht around the course again this year was the ketch, Zindabar, skippered by Chloe McCaig-Browne. Zindabar completed the course in a little over two hours.

The Tall Ships handicap and trophy winner was Arcturus, skippered by Bruce Dunlop.

The Classic Invitation handicap and trophy winner was Kaia, skippered by Daniel Bramwel

Undine, skippered by Pete Richard was the first Gaff rigged yacht home.

The Farm, skippered by Mike Bennett took out the All Comers line and handicap win.

Full provisional results for the Launch Rally and Regatta by clicking the Results links on this page. Light winds at the start of the Regatta and later in the day meant a number of yachts did not finish before the 17:00 hours timing cut-off. 

A summary of the Key Regatta Results including trophy winners is available here.

Many thanks to those who have shared their event photos and videos, including John Mead and Dave Gwilliam.

Congratulations to all those who participated in this year’s regatta and a massive thank-you to the army of volunteers who assisted with the running of this event. Without their help, this event could never happen! A special thanks also to the Hangi team who once again fed the substantial gathering.

Selecting a course for this year’s regatta proved to be a challenging task. Would the south-westerly wind prevail, or would a sea breeze kick in around midday, as it frequently does here in the Bay? Ultimately, the south-westerly maintained its dominance until late in the afternoon, when the sea breeze eventually gained control. At between 10 and 15 kts, the south westerly gave us some great racing conditions. A downwind start necessitated careful timing for less manoeuvrable yachts on the line and the windward legs also presented difficulties due to the frequent wind shifts.

The provisional regatta results are now available. Click the “Regatta Results” on this page to view.

For a Summary sheet of the Key Regatta Results click here

For Full Regatta results click here

Many thanks to John Mead and Mark Thomson for sharing their photos of this event.

Trophy Winners 

Tall Ships Handicap and Trophy winner - Ebb Tide, skippered by Jeff Cook

Tall Ships Line Honours and Trophy winner - Zindabar, skippered by Anthony Browne

Classic Invitation Handicap and Trophy winner - Pam, skippered by John Oates

Classic Invitation Line Honours and Trophy winner - Kailua, skippered by James Frankham

All Comers Handicap winner - Lazy Bones, skippered by  Richard Miller

All Comers Line Honours - The Farm, skippered by Mike Bennett

Zeke Patterson Memorial Trophy, first gaff rigged boat to finish on handicap (Tall Ships and Classic Invitation)

Seawolf, skippered by Winthrop Warner

Joe Cotton Memorial Trophy, first timber boat to finish on handicap (Tall Ships and Classic Invitation)

Caprice – skippered by Brent Avery

Cock of the Bay, line honours across all divisions

Zindabar, skippered by Anthony Browne with a time of 2:04:14

Junk Rig Line Honours and Trophy winner - Arcadian, skippered by Peter Murphy

Junk Rig Handicap and Trophy winner - Arcadian, skippered by Peter Murphy