Ports of Auckland on board with Auckland Anniversary Regatta

by Zoe Hawkins on 5 Aug 2013 Ports of Auckland has signed up as the new naming rights sponsor for the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.

'The Regatta, like the port, is as old as Auckland. The first Auckland Regatta was held on the day the city was founded in 1840, 11 years before the first America’s Cup race. We have a connection with the Regatta both through this history and the Waitemat? harbour we share, which makes it the perfect event for us to support,' Chief Executive Tony Gibson said.

Eric Mahoney, Chairman of Auckland Anniversary Regatta Inc. said 'The Regatta is one of the biggest one day regattas in the world and is unique in the fact it encompasses not only yachts of all shapes and sizes but also tugboats, modern watersports such as Stand Up Paddleboarding, Dragon Boating, and Waka Ama. Added to this, it has always been the official celebration of the founding of Auckland. It's a terrific birthday occasion both on and off the water, and the Ports of Auckland's sponsorship is absolutely invaluable to us.'

Each year Ports of Auckland suspends operations so the Regatta can run smoothly, competes in the popular tug boat race, and provides free boat tours of the port and harbour during Anniversary Weekend.

'Ports of Auckland has long supported the Regatta and we are delighted to have the opportunity to get behind it even more,' added Mr Gibson.