14 Dec 2005
Blake Trust launches Boaties' Code at biggest Regatta to date
The Sir Peter Blake Memorial Torbay Regatta is now the largest two day regatta in the country. A record 392 centreboard yachts and over 30 keel boats competed in the fourth year of this event. As the voice of yachting, Peter Montgomery, stated, "You've created a monster!"
The regatta was the venue for the launch of the Sir Peter Blake Trust's latest initiative - the Boaties' Environmental Code of Conduct. Using Sir Peter Blake's catch-cry of "good water, good life", it encourages the boating community to play its part in looking after the seas, lakes and waterways of New Zealand.
The simple message, in the form of a sticker, was taken onboard by the 450 sailors taking part in the regatta. The code will be more widely promoted by the Sir Peter Blake Trust with the assistance of Yachting New Zealand and the NZ Coastguard Boating Education Service.
The regatta, held the weekend of 10/11 December, was off the northern East Coast Bays and in the Hauraki Gulf - the very waters where Sir Peter based so many of his campaigns.
Competitors came from around New Zealand and several were from overseas with nations such as Japan, Canada and the Cook Islands represented. The Torbay Sailing Club - with an army of volunteers and helpers - together with the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club for the keel boat classes, ran a regatta that was a fitting tribute to Sir Peter.
Conditions were ideal for sailing - warm moderate breezes from the northerly quarter proved challenging tactically for the fleets as the wind direction and strength varied over the two days of racing.
This year's Sir Peter Blake Memorial Trophy was awarded to Tauranga's Peter Burling. 14 year old Peter is fast becoming a rising star in New Zealand sailing and has had an impressive year. At the Sir Peter Blake Memorial Peter continued with his winning ways dominating the Starling class - the most competitive of the 17 different classes competing in the regatta. Peter said he felt honoured to have received the trophy that bears Sir Peter's name.
