Auckland Skiff League line up against the Aussies in ANZAC Regatta

by Auckland Skiff League on 22 Apr 2015 The 18 Foot Skiffs – reputedly the fastest monohull yachts in the world, will be competing in a classic trans-Tasman battle on the waters of Auckland Harbour this ANZAC weekend.

Reaching speeds in excess of 25knots (50kmph) the regatta promises all of the thrills and spills that are associated with this spectacular class.

The traditionally dominant Australian boats are increasingly being pushed harder and harder by a committed and high quality Kiwi contingent. New boats and new sponsors have underpinned a strong revival of the class on Auckland Harbour with up to 10 boats regularly racing. With huge sail area and a three-man trapezing crew these yachts are extremely difficult to master and breath-taking to watch.

Top Australian crews Thurlow Fisher and Pure Blonde will be looking to follow up their success at the recent JJ Giltinan Regatta held in Sydney in late February.

The “JJs” regatta is the unofficial 18 Ft Skiff world championship and the New Zealand boats have been amongst the top finishers in recent years. At this weekend’s ANZAC regatta the visiting Australian boats will be pushed hard by top Kiwi boats including Yamaha, C-Tech, Knight Frank, Aon Racing and Maersk Line.

The 18 Ft Skiff ANZAC Regatta racing will run from Friday afternoon until Monday afternoon with a total of at least 10 races scheduled to be run over the four days. With support from head sponsor Maersk Line alongside other key sponsors including North Sails, Harken and Fine Line ropes, the event promises to be one of the best that Auckland has seen.

Fantastic viewing locations will be available from key vantage points around the inner harbour such as North Head, Devonport Wharf, Orakei Wharf and Royal Akarana Yacht Club. All interested supporters and spectators are invited back to the Auckland Sailing Club at 10 Tamaki Drive – next to Fergs Kayaks – for a cold drink and a chat with the sailors after racing at around 5pm each day.

For further information visit the Auckland Skiff Club Facebook page or the website