RNZYS’ 150TH CELEBRATIONS
A jam-packed 2021 is on the cards to mark the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s 150th birthday – a ‘sesquicentenary’ celebration that coincides with Auckland hosting the 36th America’s Cup. These events include J Class racing, superyacht regattas as well as offshore and New Zealand-based races.
RNZYS Vice Commodore Aaron Young says a race to Kawau Island on New Year’s Eve 2020 kicks off the celebrations, followed by the Kawau New Year’s Day Regatta, and then by a Kawau to Great Barrier Cruise from the 3 – 6 of January. The Squadron has also secured two offshore races for the year. The first is from Sydney to Auckland in conjunction with the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, starting on 1 February. The second is a race from Auckland to Southport Yacht Club in Queensland, starting on the 1 June.
In what is one of the most anticipated additions to the calendar, the Squadron hopes to attract a number of J Class Yachts with planned sailing in the Bay of Islands in February, and in Auckland in early March. J Class yachts are 40-45m long and have a crew of 30-plus professional sailors on board. They were used in the America’s Cup during the 1930s.
A superyacht regatta has been locked in for the 25 – 27 February in Auckland (organised by RNZYS), likely to be the biggest ever been seen on New Zealand waters. Dates are to be confirmed for the America’s Cup Christmas Regatta, but it is expected to take place sometime in December 2020/January 2021, and the PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series in January / February 2021.
Steve Armitage, the general manager of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Destination) says 2021 is going to be an unprecedented year for the region.
“Auckland is gearing up to host a mega year of events starting with the 36th Cup, the Squadron’s 150th and finishing with APEC Leaders’ Week. There will also be a diverse array of international sporting events such as the Women’s Rugby and Cricket World Cups, World Softball Championships, the national kapa haka festival, Te Matatini, along with the exciting annual events calendar.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the world here and showing off Auckland’s stunning natural attributes, culture and city sophistication.”
