Thousands say farewell to Auckland’s award winning Tall Ship fleet

Thousands of people turned out to say farewell to the vessels that took part in the Sydney Auckland Regatta.

Around 12,000 people lined the waterfront to watch the ships leave Auckland as a fleet in the Parade of Sail.

The ships sailed into Waitemata Harbour on Friday (25 October), having raced from Sydney in the Regatta organised by Sail Training International.  

Tall Ships, waka and HMNZS Wellington were moored and open for the public to board at Hobson Wharf, Princes Wharf and Queens Wharf  in Auckland, New Zealand. Organisers said 151,000 people visited the wharves, and thousands took the time to visit the ships.

Around 6,000 people boarded the Spirit of New Zealand, and more than 4,000 boarded Lord Nelson (UK), including one 101-year-old and 50 people in wheelchairs.

A key part of the weekends activities was the prize giving ceremony and the following prizes were awarded:

1st on corrected time and across the finish line – Europa (Netherlands) 

Eric Kesteloo, Captain, Europa said, “I don’t know what we did wrong or right, but we were suddenly way ahead of the fleet and it wasn’t easy for the rest to catch up when the winds went light.  But if you race you might as well win!”

2nd on corrected time and across the finish line – Tecla (Netherlands) 

Gijs Sluik, Captain, Tecla said,”We didn’t think we were going to make it this, so we’re really happy.”

3rd on corrected time and across the finish line- Spirit of New Zealand (New Zealand) 

Friendship Trophy – Spirit of New Zealand 

Nigel Wright, Captain, Spirit of New Zealand said. “It’s a highly regarded prize as our emphasis is on community spirit and youth development, rather than being the fastest boat.”

Media Award – Young Endeavour  (Australia)

The ‘Youthie Blogs’ from the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme were written by the different watches and really brought to life their experiences on board.  They made you wish you were on board with them all.

Ships departed the wharves with a full Naval salute from Orakei Wharf (Tamaki Drive) midday Monday 28 October (local time) with a Parade of Sail 

The event was a once in a lifetime experience for many people, said Waterfront Auckland chairman Sir Bob Harvey.  “It’s been a fantastic success for Auckland and New Zealand.”  Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International agreed, “The Sydney Auckland Regatta has been the perfect area for a truly international event and it would be incredible to return.”

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Sail Training International

For more information contact Sally Titmus, Communications and Marketing Manager, Sail Training International, Charles House, Gosport Marina, Mumby Road, Gosport, Hampshire, UK  PO12 1AH  

Tel: +44 (0) 23 9258 6367   Email: sally.titmus@sailtraininginternational.org

Editor’ notes:

What is sail training?

Sail Training is an adventure activity, which in