One hundred years of the P Class yacht is being celebrated in Tauranga this week, with sailing legends including ex-P class sailors and Olympians Peter Burling, and Molly and Sam Meech joining in on the action.

The P Class celebrated their Centenary on Saturday, with a race for the Centenary Trophy sponsored by RAM3D.

All past P Class sailors, builders and anyone with any association to this pugnacious boat that is so easily rightable after a capsize, have been encouraged to come and participate in the Coombes Johnston BMW Centenary Regatta from January 3-9.

The regatta, which is being held at the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club at Sulphur Point, inlcuded the 84th sailing of the Tanner Cup from January 4-5, followed by the 80th sailing of the Tauranga Cup from January 7-9.

Peter Burling sailing his old P class with the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club - 2024 Centenary Trophy day, January 6, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

The Centenary Race was held at 3pm on Saturday January 6, and is being followed by a “Legends” Dinner today, Sunday, January 7, with a number of 'legends' including Jimmy Gilpin attending.

The Centenary trophy was a special one off race on Saturday and a spectacular Tauranga day greeted the entrants as they headed out for a 2pm start.

A General Recall was signalled after the first start as everyone was jostling on a start line with 50 boats.

A “U” flag start was then called and with this threat, everyone was away cleanly.

P Class yachts sailing in the 2024 Centenary Trophy January 6, 2024 Tauranga. Photo:Gary Smith.

The top 10 places were dominated by Auckland.

Callum Hyde (P404) showed the fleet his transom as Oil Stone and Nathan Sopher had a battle behind him.

Awesome sailing in 15 to 20 kts of NNW sea breeze meant the fleet really had to hike hard. There were a few capsizes and lots of great sailing photos.

In the final beat Oli Stone trapped Callum Hyde out on the wrong side of the top mark and was not headed over the final reach.

Results: www.sailwave.com/results/TYPBC_P_Class_Centenary_Trophy_2024.htm

Peter Burling sailing his old P class with the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club - 2024 Centenary Trophy day, January 6, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

The fleet then headed to the beach.

"We were joined for the day by some of Tauranga’s favourite Olympians and ETNZ and ex P Class sailors, Peter Burling, Molly and Sam Meech," says Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club member and P Class Measurer for the last 18 years, Gary Smith.

"They spent the morning chatting to the entrants, and then Peter and Sam headed out for a sail."

Gary says the sailing legends were joined by some previous P Class sailors and parents.

"There were few capsizes, but everyone made it back after sailing in 15 to 20 knots of breeze," says Gary.

Peter Burling sailing in the 942 and Sam Meech in the P51 - P class - 2024 Centenary Trophy day, January 6, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Nik Gaines.

"Peter Burling enjoyed the sail in his old boat (P942) now sailed by Harry Strang," says Gary.

“I forgot how much helm there is on these boats,” says the double America's Cup champion and Olympic medalist Peter Burling after his sail.

"Olympic Bronze medalist Sam Meech also enjoyed his return to P Class," says Gary.

"While "P Class parents" are legendary in the class, the tables were turned today when a few of the sailors got to advise their parents on how their boats should be sailed!"

A great afternoon was had by everyone involved in the event.

Andrea Cooke sailing a P class - 2024 Centenary Trophy day, January 6, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Murray de Lues.