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 Waitematā 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.
About Gypsy and the Regatta:
Auckland has arguably the largest fleet of restored classic yachts sailing today, and Gypsy is the latest completed restoration. Designed by Arch Logan, Gypsy is considered one of the most significant yachts in New Zealand yachting history. Sadly, just a few months after the completion of a five year restoration project, Gypsy sank in the Waitemata Harbour, during the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta in January 2012. For her second rebuild, the boat was restored to her original configuration, exactly as she was on her launch date in 1939. Now, the Gypsy Trust intends for Gypsy to still be sailing in the year 2112. Gypsy, and other members of the classic fleet, are a big feature of Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.
The Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta will take place on Monday 27 January 2014 and is expected to attract upwards of 500 boats. More information at www.regatta.org.nz.
About Ports of Auckland
Ports of Auckland Ltd is the port for New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. Each year it handles over 800,000 TEU (1 TEU is a standard twenty foot container), around 1,500 ship calls and 3.8 m tonnes of break-bulk (non-containerised) cargo. It is New Zealand’s leading import port, New Zealand’s premier cruise port and the country’s main vehicle import gateway. A key partner to export and import industries, Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council.