Clarks Beach was alive with colour, camaraderie, and competitive spirit as the 2026 New Zealand Paper Tiger National Championship took over the southern end of the Manukau Harbour for four lively days of racing through 19-22 January. Hosted by the Clarks Beach Yacht Club, the event drew 33 sailors from across the country—New Plymouth, Charteris Bay near Lyttleton, Whanganui, Muritai and Evans Bay in Wellington, Nelson, Torbay, Queen Charlotte, Napier, Tasman, Waiuku and of course, the home club at Clarks Beach.
Competitors ranged in age from an enthusiastic 14-year-old to seasoned sailors in their mid-70s, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Paper Tiger class. Among the fleet were two women. “Lovely to see the girls out there with the guys, but we need more!” said long-time club member Fiona Marlow.
Four Days of Grit and Good Humour
While the sailors battled the elements, an impressive team of 15–20 volunteers, mostly from the home club, kept the regatta running smoothly. The water-based volunteers crewed the start boat, finish boat, and three support vessels, ensuring safety, fairness, and efficiency on the water.
No regatta is complete without good food. Catering was led by Fiona Marlow, alongside Sirpa from Pizzata, a unique Pukekohe pizza deli and shop. Together they kept between 50-70 sailors, volunteers, and supporters very well fed.
Commodore Barry Owen praised the effort: “It takes a big team to run an event like this, and our community really stepped up.”
Visiting sailors consistently remarked on the warm hospitality and smooth organisation.
Race Officer Paul Davies, a Wellingtonian with management of eight Paper Tiger Nationals under his belt, was full of admiration for the Clarks Beach team. Calling himself the “conductor of the orchestra,” he described the event as “old-school cool, community-led and driven. Very special.”
A Community Effort Behind the Scenes
The Manukau pulled out its wet weather playbook—drizzle, heavy rain, all kinds of wind conditions, from light to heavy, and not much sun! But Paper Tiger sailors are a hardy bunch. With wetsuits on and spirits high, they took it all in their stride.
The varied courses stretched from the Clarks Beach clubhouse up toward Matakawau, offering a mix of tactical challenges and fast reaches. Three races were held on each of the first three days but, sadly, the last day’s racing had to be cancelled when huge rollers, white caps, and winds blowing up past the safety limit of 25 knots defied even the hardiest sailors.
However, sailors are a philosophical bunch and used to dancing to the wind’s tune. Nine races and wonderful camaraderie made for an excellent regatta.
And the Sponsors
The event was supported by four major sponsors—Clarks Beach Waterfront Estate, Ararimu Electrical, Clarks Beach Holiday Park, and Waiau Pa Automotive Solutions. In addition, many other generous contributors helped make the regatta a great success.
Why This Class of Yacht?
This solo catamaran class, designed by New Zealand sailing legend Ron Given, is particularly well suited to the tidal waters of the Manukau Harbour.
It’s also an easy vessel to transport. Sailors trailered their boats—in some cases up to three per vehicle—from every corner of the country, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Paper Tiger class, as well as the local club’s well-deserved reputation for great hospitality.
Locally, the enthusiasm of Vice Commodore Tom Maidment, his wife Samantha and fellow club member Josh Burton have been motivators in increasing the local Paper Tiger fleet.
A Great Achievement for a 55-Year-Old Club
Hosting the Nationals is a proud milestone and a nod to the future of the Clarks Beach Yacht Club. It has been a cornerstone of the local community for 55 years and in fine shape to continue for many more.
