Lake Te Anau was ablaze with colour today when Marakura Yacht Club (MYC) hosted the annual Southland Yachting Championships and its 'Not the Easter' Regatta.

Up to 50 sailors of all ages and abilities from all over the south, put sail in what is considered the biggest "all classes" regattas in Southland.

Yachts included trailer sailers and dinghies including 420 class, hobie cat, laser, open skiff and optimists.

Sailing action today on Lake Te Anau. Photo: Debbie Keen

MYC commodore Bruce Keen said the highlight for him was seeing all the junior sailors on the water, "a big green fleet."

Yachting New Zealand regional development manager Ian Gardener agreed the youngsters enjoying themselves was a highlight for him too.

"The young kids getting around the course with a smile on their face, and coming back for the next race – that’s always the big one," he said.

Gardener said club level was really important for kids.

"The big one is getting the kids out and just doing it."

"The more time they can spend on the water, the more they build up their skills. And then its really great to see when they tip over they don’t freak, they just do their thing, get their boat up and away they go again."

"We want them to get the love and passion for the water and sailing and the sport, rather than achieve the high pressure performance at this stage."

"Once they develop that love, then if they’ve got that passion, then they’ll proceed on further," Gardener said.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF TODAY'S YACHTING ACTION

Marakura Yacht Club's new Highfield Patrol 500. Photo: Debbie Keen

MYC also used the championships to launch its new Highfield Patrol 500 support and safety vessel.

Club commodore Bruce Keen said the 5 metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) offered more features and reliability for club events than their old RIB.

"We need 100% reliability with the kids on the water [and] that’s what this new big boat brings."

Yachting New Zealand regional development manager Ian Gardener at the helm of Marakura Yacht Club's new support and safety boat. Photo: Southland App

Keen said it also made it easier and safer moving buoys.

"We just hook them around the hook in the front of the boat and tow them round. The other [RIB] one you had to hang on to them." 

The Southland Yachting Championships and 'Not' the Easter Regatta is held over two days (9-10 April) on Lake Te Anau and is hosted by the Marakura Yacht Club.