As our gaze turns to the harbour during a sunny summer in Auckland, one standout fixture is the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and Lawson’s Dry Hills is proud to be a sponsor of this historic event. The regatta dates back to 1840 and sees some of the country’s finest classic yachts, launches, skiffs, sailing dinghies, canoes, dragon boats and tugboats take to the water as the city of sails opens its heart and provides the perfect backdrop to these magnificent craft.
At a time when America’s Cup racing propels Auckland’s iconic harbour onto the world stage, yachting will be top of mind for not only New Zealanders but billions of fans around the world. In a country which boasts more boats per capita than anywhere else, boating is part of our DNA, and the Anniversary Day Regatta is a celebration our passion for the water.
The event sees over a century of classic vessels competing, from timber sailing yachts like the 1897 classic ‘Thelma’ and the 1895 cutter ‘Ida’, while multiple winner ‘Ariki’ will be pushing hard to defend her winning heritage dating back to 1905. There will be restored work boats brought back to life, classic motor launches owned by business magnates and even one owned by an actor who once played James Bond. Then dotted around the city’s bays and shorelines, tomorrow’s generation of sailors will be competing in skiffs and sailing dinghies. Over 600 participating boats on one, memorable day.
Lawson’s Dry Hills will be right alongside the spectacle aboard the HMNZS Manawanui, one of the newest additions to the Royal New Zealand Navy’s fleet. Every year a navy ship is selected as the guard ship for the regatta providing provide a lofty vantage point for VIPs, naval hierarchy and other dignitaries to view the action on the water. To complement the experience, Lawson’s Dry Hills will be served on board. Guests will be able to enjoy four gold medal-winning wines – 2020 PINK Pinot, 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Reserve Chardonnay and the 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir as summer breezes whisk centuries of sailing history across Auckland Harbour and beyond to the Hauraki Gulf.
Of course, this isn’t the only way Lawson’s Dry Hills supports yachting. For some time now, Lawson’s Dry Hills has been a proud sponsor of Yachting New Zealand – the organisation established to ‘help New Zealanders access, enjoy and succeed on the water, for life.’ As well as supporting the national body, Lawson’s Dry Hills offers YNZ members 20% off and free delivery across the range of award-winning wines.
The passion and dedication of the yachting community aligns perfectly with the values of Lawson’s Dry Hills and the close-knit team who work together to crafting their range of wines. And there’s no better way to celebrate a great day on the water than with a glass of great wine! Be sure to experience the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on February 1st, from whatever vantage point you can, and choose your favourite Lawson’s Dry Hills wine to add to the occasion.
