The Canterbury Classical and Traditional Boats group is a not-for-profit organisation formed to promote the restoration and building of boats of classical and traditional design. Collectively we have had many years of competitive sailing, and leisure boating in a wide range of craft from model boats through to dinghies, trailer sailers and powered boats.  Maybe it’s age thing but we found our interests in later years turning towards the preservation and recognition of the classical designs.

We have become increasingly interested in craft that have provided a rich heritage for leisure and competitive boating as well as those boats which have contributed to the maritime history of New Zealand and Canterbury in particular. As we shared those thoughts early in 2008 we decided to make contact with a few boaties with similar interest and invited them to join us for a regatta weekend in Akaroa in November that year.

We were delighted with the number and variety of boats that joined us on that inaugural event. Our Akaroa regatta has since become an established annual event and our network of contacts has widened across the Canterbury region and beyond.

We are endeavouring to promote more informal events at various venues to encourage folk to bring out their boats for display, use them and encourage families to participate.  Although we have some judging and prizes at regatta events our philosophy is basically enjoyment and the sharing of experiences and skills rather than competition.
Our aim is to preserve the skills and experiences of classical and traditional boats in Canterbury by:

• Providing events and opportunities for people to meet and enjoy the use of their craft.
  
• Providing information and contacts that will assist the preservation and restoration of classical and traditional boats.
  
• Maintaining and encouraging the use of traditional boatbuilding skills in boat maintenance and the construction of classical replica craft.
  
• Sharing news of events of interest to the boating fraternity within the Canterbury region.
  
• Participating in events that acknowledge and celebrate the maritime and nautical history of Canterbury

Through this website and email news from time to time, we hope that our base of contacts will grow.

• We get names and contact details for interested boaties
• The address and the information in this website is shared
• We receive suggestions and assistance for new events and opportunities
• Enthusiasts prepare and send in news, items and pictures for posting on this website

As we shared those thoughts early in 2008 we decided to make contact with a few boaties with similar interest and invited them to join us for a regatta weekend in Akaroa in November that year.  We were delighted with the number and variety of boats that joined us on that inaugural event.
From small beginnings we have a wider network of contacts across the whole Canterbury region and beyond.  Another successful regatta was held in Akaroa in November of 2009 and another is scheduled there on 20-21 November 2010.  In addition we held a successful regatta day at Lake Hood near Ashburton in 2009 and another held in March 2010, was organised by the Ashburton Sailing Club.