Due to the predicted weather conditions and the state of Auckland City's infrastructure following the horrendous floods, slips and road closures over the last couple of days the Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee have decided to cancell this year's regatta. A wise choice and a relief for many!

it did happen once before - in 1940 when the Ponsonby Cruising Club ran the sailing events the event was cancelled EXCEPT............

19th Lipton Cup: 29th January, 1940:
Notice posted:
CLUBS POSTPONE RACES:
The danger of boats capsizing in the strong south-westerly wind, thereby spoiling their
chances in the Anniversary Regatta to-day and the lack of launches to rescue crews,
were factors which swayed the committee of the Ponsonby Cruising Club in postponing
the cup races of all classes with the exception of the L class Lipton Cup boats.

Entries were: L32 Vamarie - Point Chevalier Sailing Club; L18 Rakoa - Royal Akarana Yacht Club; L38 Taotane -Tamaki Yacht. Club; L11 Tamariki - Richmond Yacht Club; L21 Marika - Devonport Yacht Club; L7 Komuri - Victoria Cruising Club.

The course was from St. Mary’s Bay boat harbour wall, round Resolution buoy, off Parnell thence round Saltworks beacon in Rangitoto Channel, thence round Resolution buoy and back to starting line.

The winner was the new boat Taotane, owned by Mr. S. Naismith representing the Tamaki Yacht Club, which defeated Komuri by 54s. Rakoa was third.

Draft Lipton Cup History - Janet W

Article added: Sunday 29 January 2023