Majestic A-class yachts with B-Class and K-Class beauties. Classic launches and old-school work boats, and a treasured restored scow. An Australian ‘Couta’ boat, a converted fishing trawler, cruising boats with stories to tell, and passage yachts that have been the places dreams are made. Iconic racing legends from decades past, and just about every rig configuration you can imagine.

This week, the program for the second ever Auckland Wooden Boat Festival (13 - 15 March) came out…and it looks pretty special. As with all good Festivals, planning your long weekend is key to getting the most out of it. And the beauty of the Auckland venue is that everything is only a few minutes walk away.

Wooden Boat Festivals are strange ritualistic occasions. Beautiful (and occasionally not so beautiful) craft gather in one spot, flaunting their curvaceous bodies, and sparkling varnished jewels in the bursts of sunshine, as crowds mill around the pontoons, pontificating on the worthiness and attributes of each vessel