Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta underway in a month

by Sir Peter Blake Regatta media on 11 Nov 2010
Just one month from now the will see Torbay Sailing Club come alive with record numbers of sailors expected at this year’s Sir Peter Blake Regatta.

The regatta is Torbay Sailing Club’s and New Zealand’s premiere centreboard yachting event, held annually at Waiake Beach, Torbay. The regatta is traditionally held over the first weekend in December, close to the anniversary of Sir Peter Blake’s death, with this year’s dates being fourth / 5th December. The regatta is in its ninth year and as the largest two day Centreboard class sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere it attracts competitors from all over New Zealand, as well as a number of overseas entrants.

The event promotes the values and characteristics of Sir Peter Blake; enjoyment of the sport of sailing, team-mateship and care for the environment. While the regatta maintains a youth focus, it caters for all ages and abilities, attracting a good mix of adult sailors. The 2009 event drew more than 400 sailors competing in 17 different classes for two days of intense racing. This year with the Laser North Island Champs regatta being combined with the Sir Peter Blake Regatta over 500 sailors are anticipated, easily making it one of the largest centreboard sailing events in the world.

The regatta has magnificent support from long term principal sponsors Toyota New Zealand, Albany Toyota and North Shore City (now Auckland Supercity) and Pub Charity. Further, in 2010 the event will enjoy new course sponsorship from Air New Zealand Holidays, Burnsco Marine and Leisure, and Toyota. And the event would not be what it is without the significant support and input from Yachting NZ, Murrays Bay SC, Wakatere SC, Takapuna BC and a wide range of volunteers.

In its nine years the regatta has grown in size, standing and professionalism, creating what is now widely regarded as a world class event on the beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The vision is simple: to deliver an event that is not only the focal point of centreboard sailing in the Southern Hemisphere but also a fantastic social event and a celebration of Sir Peter’s life and the sailing legacy we enjoy today.

The focal point of the regatta is the awarding of the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Memorial Trophy – going to the most outstanding sailor at the event, with past recipients having progressed to achieve success in international events.

Basing its principles on those of Sir Peter, the Torbay Club encourages sailors to develop a lifetime respect and value for the sea, as well as a love of sailing through competition and friendship.