Over the weekend, the town of Auckland, New Zealand held its 170th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta fleet, and it kicked off with some difficulties due to strong winds on the water affecting the performance of vessels and their crews. The flagship for this year’s event was the frigate HMNZS Te Mana.

Unlike last year’s regatta, where a beautiful day with crystal clear waters and warm weather gave crews and spectators a perfect day, this year’s weather conditions caused the Mahurangi to Princes Wharf race to be canceled due to safety reasons. Spectator numbers were much lower this year because of the conditions. Two or more crews traveled from Australia across the Tasman in order to compete in this year’s event.

A strong fleet of a variety of around 500 vessels raced in the challenging event.  Vessels included classic yachts, dinghies, tall ships, and racing keelers. Larger vessels like the giant tugboats had no problems with the rough conditions, but smaller vessels suffered.

No reports of injuries were made, however capsizes and failing gears were reported as affects of the weather conditions.

Next year, the organizers hope to attract more vessels from Australia, to create a more balanced competition.

Atlantic Yacht & Ship is a yacht brokerage supplying power and custom motor yachts, specializing in the brokerage of quality Motor Yachts, Express Cruisers, Trawlers and Sport Fisherman vessels.

Located just a couple miles from Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Fort Lauderdale: The “Venice of America” and the yachting capital of the world, Atlantic Yacht and Ship was is the oldest yacht brokerage in the United States. 

Incorporated in 1959, Atlantic Yacht and Ship focuses on quality motor yachts with a commitment to provide the best industry knowledge and great attention to detail that is unparalleled in the industry. 

 Atlantic Yacht and Ship has over 50 years of continuing service in the international yachting industry as well as the Fort Lauderdale yachting community.