What to See

There’s so much to see at the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

With hundreds of vessels of all shapes and sizes taking part all over the city, it’s the biggest one-day regatta in the world.

For spectators, it’s a glorious spectacle featuring tall ships, gaff riggers, classic yachts and launches, modern keelers and multihulls, sailing dinghies, radio controlled boats, waka ama, dragonboats and tugboats racing throughout the day.

Here are some of the highlights not to be missed:

2024 Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. Monday 29 January. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

Tugboat Race & Display

Tugboats may not be designed to race, but when they do, they are a spectacular sight. Dozens of tugs of all shapes and sizes start off Westhaven at 10am, racing down to Orakei and back again, followed by an impressive display with tug-o-wars and water fights!

Classics

Auckland has the largest fleet of vintage yachts and launches still on the water, anywhere in the world, and many of them are on display at Auckland Anniversary Regatta. Be at Westhaven from 11am to watch the classic launches race, and from midday to watch the classic yachts carry out their exciting manoeuvres as they line for their start.

Dinghy Sailing

The centreboard classes are the grass roots favourites of New Zealand sailing, and hundreds of dinghy sailors will take to the water to compete on Anniversary Day. Racing takes place at clubs around Auckland, so check out the Schedule to see where your favourites are racing.

Radio Controlled Yachts

Incredibly dextrous for their miniature size, radio controlled yachts are fascinating for all ages to watch. Competitors regularly include America's Cup and top level sailors, as well as weekend warriors. Watch the RC yacht races at Westhaven Marina and St Mary’s Bay.

Foiling Classes

See a whole new era in sailing take flight. Watch the incredible foiling fleets race at Takapuna, with fast and fun foiling dinghies like the Nacra 15 and 17 classes, Waszps, Moths and A Class, plus windfoilers, kitefoilers and wingfoilers taking part.

Dragon Boats

The Viaduct Harbour comes alive on Anniversary Day with the resounding beat of the pacekeeper's drum, and the chants of 360 Dragon Boat paddlers surrounded by huge crowds as the colourful crews battle against each other for victory. It's definitely a sight not to be missed!