The tide was early afternoon but the true believers began arriving early morning. The thing about Tramcar Bay is that the tide comes in quite quickly over the sand and before you know it, there is water to row, to sail, to paddle, you name it!

The Zeddie "Olive" owner Hugh Gladwell in the foreground with the bowsprit of his Number 3 Boat to the right.

 Zeddies "Olive" Z92 and "Tawaki" Z63 just waiting to get sailing

Steamer "Tui" arriving to partake in the festivities

Most of the steamers nuzzled together "Tui" "Janice" (just launched) and "Victoria"

The new steamer "Janice" was launched at noon and then there was the no-holds-barred race for all comers round the sandbank off the boatyard.

"Number 3" (ex RNZN captain's gig) ahead of "Olive"

The race heats up! "Freydis" (red sail), "Tawaki", "Number 3" and "Olive

"Tawaki" seemed first home of the wind bludgers. The boats just pulled up on shore and the crews enjoyed themselves, chatting, paddling eating sausages and rehydrating..

What a day. Dean and Toni provided the barbekiwi and the rest of us just talked and enjoyed the ambiance of the occasion. It was good to see so many children there too.

MORE PICTURES TO FOLLOW!