Historic Trans-Tasman Rivalry Reignites at 2025 AWBF

A tale of camaraderie in competition, as recounted to the AWBF by Tony Stevenson, Co-Director of the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival and Trustee of the Tino Rawa Trust.

It had been 90 years since their last race across the trans-Tasman, and the anticipation in the air was electric. On a blustery afternoon in Hobart, the historic vessels Ngataki and Te Rapunga departed from the docks at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, their masts swaying in rhythm with the spirited winds. As they glided out towards the start line, a crowd of spectators lined the shore, eager to witness this once-in-a-lifetime rematch.

The race began with a burst of energy. Both crews, seasoned sailors with deep respect for their vessels’ storied pasts, worked tirelessly to harness every gust of wind. The lead changed four times, each shift met with gasps and cheers from the crowd. The rivalry was fierce but respectful, rooted in history and camaraderie rather than animosity.

As they approached the final leg, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The sun broke through the cloud cover, casting a golden light over the River Derwent. Both boats sailed wing and wing, their sails spread wide like wings of seabirds in flight. The crews were on high alert, scanning the horizon for any puff of wind or ripple on the water that might give them an edge.

With mere metres to the finish line, the boats surged forward, neck and neck. Every sailor on board leaned into the moment, straining every sinew to coax just a little more speed from their beloved vessels. And then it happened—both boats crossed the finish line simultaneously. A dead heat.

Cheers erupted from the docks and surrounding boats. The air buzzed with excitement, disbelief, and joy. No one had expected such a poetic conclusion to this historic race.

Later, rafted up alongside each other in Constitution Dock, the crews of Ngataki and Te Rapunga came together for a heartfelt celebration. Flags and burgees were exchanged with ceremonial care, and even crew uniforms were swapped as tokens of friendship and mutual respect. Glasses were raised high, and the sailors toasted the memories of Johnny Wray and George Dibbern, the legendary skippers who had first raced these proud vessels so many decades ago.

As the sun set over Hobart, casting long shadows across the water, laughter and stories echoed through the dock. What a day it had been—a day of history, of adventure, and of shared respect for the sea and the timeless bond of those who sail upon it.

Find out more about these historic vessels: Ngataki and Te Rapunga