Yachties from both ends of Tauranga harbour converged on Katikati for a weekend of sailing and socialising. Katikati Boat Club hosted 10 yachts from north and south; a few from Ongare Point and a handful from Tauranga. Originally up to 25 were expected but strong winds seemed to deter many.

The Tauranga yachts sailed through the mid-harbour shallows at high tide on Saturday, with trailer yachts partaking of the "Old Fox Race" off Katikati. All ten yachts, including three 11m catamarans, spent the night anchored and rafted up in the Uretara River.
The tie-up point is unique, in that it is one of the few townships with access for yachts right in the heart.
The yacht crews and their families met up for an evening meal and socialising at the nearby Talisman Tavern, which also sponsored the event.
Organiser Don Wallis says the boat club is keen to promote the Uretara River as a cruising destination for yachts, day trippers and overnight stayers. The town wharf is soon to be redeveloped to four times its capacity. The river has been dredged and debris cleared from the channels, which are well marked with buoys all the way from the channel mouth near Tanners Point.
The yachties were treated to a barbecue breakfast at the Katikati waterfront on Sunday morning before heading out on the high tide and sailing home to their various starting points.

Chain Reaction and Mintaka heading out on the high tide, Sunday morning.

John Burn heading home under headsail in a gusty sou-wester.