50th Anniversary Russell Tall Ships Regatta

[MarkMT 70]

Hi all... The 50th anniversary of the legendary Russell Tall Ships Regatta is scheduled for Saturday 10th January next year. Beginning in 1976 as a tribute to the great sailing ships of old, the event has grown into a fantastic celebration of New Zealand's maritime history, including three divisions that showcase a diverse range of yachts, from traditional square-riggers to classic yachts and modern-day cruisers...

Tall Ships Division: 
Monohull vessels of not less than 30 feet [9.14m] on deck, with 2 or more masts. May include square rig as well as fore and aft rig.
Classic Invitation Division: 
Monohull vessels of a recognised “classic type,” not less than 22 ft. (7.7m) on deck with any type of rig. 
All Comers Division: 
Open to all sailing vessels not meeting the criteria for Tall Ships, Classic Invitation, or Junk Rig divisions. Includes monohull and multihull vessels not less than 22 ft. (7.7m) on deck, with any type of rig.

For the first time ever, this edition of the event will also host the Kororāreka Classic Launch Rally on Friday, 9th January. This will showcase some of the finest examples of restored classic launches in the country in a regularity rally around the Bay of Islands, with vessels completing the course at an average speed of their choosing.

It is always a fantastic, fun event, known not just for a great day on the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands but also a huge after-party on the Matauwhi Bay Reserve adjacent to the Russell Boating Club featuring a hangi and live music late into the evening. Whether you're a Bay of Islands local or coming cruising in the BoI in January, and whether you've attended before or not, it's an event not to be missed.

Online registration is open until 31st December, thereafter in person in the RBC clubrooms on the Friday and Saturday mornings. See the event website for all the details... https://russellboatingclub.org.nz/tall-ships.html. Photos from this year's event here, and a few miscellaneous below...

[waikiore 518]

A superb event , I have done over 40 of them and a great family hangi and dance afterwards

[Black Panther 1,817]

Black Panther has won more than once. We don't participate now as Angela really dislikes racing.

[MarkMT 70]

Hi, just giving this a bump. The event is coming fast - 10th January. I said earlier that online registration was open till 31st December, but it's actually the 30th. You can also register in the clubhouse on the Fri/Sat, and many usually do, but it gets pretty hectic. It's going to be a great event. If you're in the Bay of Islands that weekend, come and join the fun!

[MarkMT 70]

I'm a bit slow following up on this, but just wanted to let you all know the event was another wild success on a perfect BoI day. Thanks to everyone who took part.

Loads of photos plus some drone footage from the regatta and the prizegiving/hangi on 10 January are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kJD9iDGmmfqiPq7h7. And for the first time we had a classic launch rally on Friday, 9 January - photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KqpLqjoxTDjXeRRNA.

In the absence of BP :) the winner of the Tall Ships division was the beautiful 1930 John Alden Schooner Arcturus, which incidentally happens to be for sale at the moment. Classic Invitation was won by the Rafiki 37 double-ender Kaia (also currently for sale) and All-comers by the Ross 40 The Farm.

But the entries covered the whole spectrum of yachting history... everything from a Wright Tracker to the square riggers Breeze and R. Tucker Thompson.

Just a great day. If you didn't manage to make it, the next one is just 11 months away :).

[waikiore 518]

Wonderful shots Mark and a great event