| An article from the |
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Tawera, the last Arch Logan classic A-Class keeler to be built. |
| The 50ft Tawera. Designed by Arch Logan, Tawera was built in 1935 by Colin Wild at Stanley Bay for Scott Wilson, whose family had owned the original Tawera, built by Robert Logan snr in 1883. | |
Back to the classics
18.05.2002
The break between the end of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series and
the start of New Zealand's America's Cup defence next year will provide
on-the-water action at a level never previously seen in this part of the
world.
For the first time an International Classic Yacht Regatta will be raced,
from February 6 to 9. This will be followed by the Millennium Cup 2003,
an expanded version of the inaugural 2000 event for superyachts, running
from February 10 to 13.
In that 2000 Millennium Cup event, millions of dollars-worth of the
biggest pleasure boats afloat raced from Auckland to Kawau Island. It gave
New Zealand huge international exposure as TV networks here for the cup
defence brought their audiences unparalleled coverage of big boys with
seriously big toys having expensive fun in our playground.
In 2000 the accent was mainly on modern superyachts, both powered and
sailing versions, with the beautiful 1933 J-class America's Cup campaigner
Velsheda helping to show the flag for yachting as it was in the distant
past.
For next year, the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand is planning
to put a great deal more emphasis on sailing in the yachts that association
members here cherish. The race organisers hope their programme will entice
like-minded sailors from around the world to take part in what they believe
will be the greatest classic yachting event staged in the Southern Hemisphere.
Spokesman for the regatta is steering committee member Chad Thompson
who, as a second day job, skippers and charters Prize, the 50-footer designed
and built in 1923 by Chas Bailey jnr. Thompson is convinced his team, working
with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, has put together the right programme.
"We will have four days of racing on the Waitemata and in the Hauraki
Gulf with Kawau Island as the base," Thompson says.
"Kawau offers picturesque,
safe anchorages and great racing around the Gulf islands. There are excellent
facilities ashore provided by the squadron, and further shore-based accommodation
for family and friends is available at Pah Farm, on the southern side of
Bon Accord Harbour."
To make sure they cater for the widest range of boats, there are special
divisions covering gaff-rigged yachts of all sizes and Bermudan classics
right up to J-Class yachts. There will also be events for classic launches.
The organisers even plan divisions for modern yachts built after 1950 but
of traditional materials and lines.
On Thursday, February 6 the classics will race from Orakei Wharf to
Kawau. Next day there will be two races starting and finishing in Kawau
Bay and taking in differing Gulf Island courses. The fleet will race back
to Westhaven on the Saturday. The final day's activity on Sunday will include
a 10am Parade of Sail from Westhaven to Orakei Wharf. The last race of
the regatta starts off Orakei Wharf at noon and finishes back at Westhaven.
Thompson says he believes his organising team have achieved their double
objective. "We will introduce the competing sailors, particularly those
from overseas, to some of our best cruising waters and scenery, while the
courses will also provide plenty of opportunity for Auckland's sailing
spectators to catch the action."
By ROBIN BAILEY