Christchurch Yacht Club hosts the Canterbury P Class Championships this weekend, with several dinghy fleets gathering at Moncks Bay for the annual Graham Mander Regatta.
The Canterbury P Class Championships return to Christchurch Yacht Club this weekend, 31 October and 1 November, as part of the annual Graham Mander Regatta. The two days of racing will bring several dinghy classes together at Moncks Bay, continuing a long association between Canterbury sailing and one of New Zealand's best known junior racing dinghies.
This year's regatta incorporates the Canterbury P Class Championships, the Starling South Island Championships and Traveller Series, the Canterbury ILCA Championships, and the David Mander Optimist Trophies for boys and girls.
Canterbury P Class Championships build on 2025 racing
The provisional 2025 results provide an interesting reference point for this weekend's championship. Alex Fletcher dominated the three race series aboard Razzle Dazzle (P962), winning every race to finish with three points. Josh Fletcher followed in second aboard Shotgun (P374), recording three third places, while Isaiah McLintock finished third in Shockwave (P225).
A regatta carrying Graham Mander's name
Graham Mander was one of New Zealand's accomplished dinghy sailors, winning two Tanner Cups and two Tauranga Cups during a career spanning several classes. Alongside his brother Peter, he became an influential figure in Canterbury sailing, encouraging younger sailors and contributing to Christchurch Yacht Club's racing community.
The regatta continues that connection, bringing another generation of sailors into competition at the club where Mander spent so much of his sailing life.
A full weekend at Christchurch Yacht Club
While the Canterbury P Class Championships are a central attraction, the Graham Mander Regatta brings together several competitive fleets. Starling sailors will contest their South Island Championships, ILCA sailors race for Canterbury honours, and Optimist competitors will compete for the David Mander trophies.
Importantly, Christchurch Yacht Club has also organised catering around the racing programme, with bacon butties available each morning, burgers after Saturday's racing and nachos on Sunday. It promises a busy weekend both on the water and around the clubhouse.
The event follows last weekend's P Class North Island Championships at Royal Akarana Yacht Club, where Lewis Snape claimed the title after six races.
With the Tanner Cup trials and national championships approaching in January, the Canterbury P Class Championships provide another opportunity for young sailors to gain valuable racing experience.
Further details are available through Christchurch Yacht Club.
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