Times to launch and retrieve small boats at Sullivans

Mahurangi Regatta Saturday 26 January
Launching 9.00–11.00 am
Retrieval 3.30–4.30 pm
High tide 10.54 am 1.29 m

Essential Ingredient: Small boats have always been a feature of the Mahurangi Regatta. To their proponents, they provide an experience richer than that provided by their high-wooded, high-maintenance sisters. photographer Max Cumming 2006

Except at the regatta, boat launching from trailers at Sullivans is not permitted.

Most appreciate that that is the case, and in two senses of the word—Sullivan Bay would be a much less idyllic scene with a steady stream of powerboats being launched and retrieved.

For others, particularly some of those living nearby the two only, and often very busy, launching ramps at Mahurangi West, it is appreciate in the ‘to be aware of’ sense only.

Be that as it may, regional parks policy recognises that small boats are integral part of the Mahurangi Regatta and, for the day, not only permits the launching of trailered boats but provides the tractor and driver. But it is not open slather—there is no future in hauling the Haines Hunter out along Ngārewa Drive in the hope of cheating the congestion at Jamieson Bay or Ōpahi, not unless the 260‍ ‍horsepower Mercruiser been traded for a 6‍ ‍horsepower Torqeedo, or she’s been converted to sail.

When the weather is enticing, the attendance at Sullivans is such it would be unreasonably disruptive to have the tractor labouring up and down continuously. And then there is the safety aspect—it is all too easy to be sufficiently caught up in the vibrant beach scene to be unaware of that converging, lumbering tractor.

Consequently, boats are not launched and retrieved all day:

Launching 9.00–11.00 am
Retrieval 3.30–4.30 pm