Registration opens 1 October for the 2026 Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta, the largest mixed centreboard youth sailing event in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 24th edition runs 5–6 December at Waiake Beach on Auckland's North Shore. Last year 352 sailors from 32 clubs—including entries from the Bay of Islands, Dunedin, Singapore and New Caledonia—raced 327 boats across 15 fleets. Four race courses, 35 official boats and roughly 40 coach craft managed the traffic, backed by more than 150 volunteers.
Classes cover the full development pathway: Optimist Green Fleet through to ILCA, 29er, RS Feva, 420 and iQFOiL. The format places eight-year-old newcomers on the same water as Olympic and America's Cup prospects.
Regatta director David Wright puts the event's longevity down to consistency—the same dates, the same venue, and a founding purpose that hasn't changed since it began.
The Blake distinguishes itself from standard youth series through its emphasis on character. Prizes recognise sportsmanship and sailors who voluntarily take penalty turns. Green and White fleet marks are inflatable flamingos, unicorns and peacocks rather than intimidating buoys.
The Sir Peter Blake Trophy—past winners include Olympic gold medallists Jo Aleh, Peter Burling and Sam Meech—rewards leadership and attitude alongside performance. The 2025 recipients were 29er sailors Nelsen Meacham and Louis Quere, recognised for a composed, error-free series.
Sir Peter's legacy appears physically on the water too. Steinlager II, his 1989 Whitbread winner, visited in 2024; his maxi yacht *Lion New Zealand* joined in 2025, with both vessels drawing sailors and swimmers between races.
Entry is open to all youth sailors under 19 years of age on 31 December 2025. Registration via torbaysailing.club.
