Events

We love special events, particularly for members of the community.

We hold yearly pirate sails, community sails, and other events. Check out this page to see if we have any special sailings planned.

Whangarei Maritime Festival 

The R. Tucker Thompson is back in town for the 2024 Whangarei Maritime Festival!

Before we cruise into the town basin we’ll be stationed at Port Nikau ready to offer you two 2hr harbour sails on Weds 9 Oct (departing 10am and 1pm) and a pirate sail on Thursday 10 October, departing 10am.

Online booking essential! Proceeds support our youth development programme – life-changing experiences for the rangatahi of Tai Tokerau.

Pirate Sail

Ahoy young sailors! Kid’s pirate sail on Saturday 25 January 4pm-6pm.

Let your inner pirate go wild on a 2-hour sail adventure from Russell on board the iconic R. Tucker Thompson. Youngsters (and their parents) get to dress up as pirates and enjoy a special pirate sailing on board Northland’s own tall ship. It’s a chance to “argh!” and “shiver me timbers” while the children play pirates.

This sailing is a fundraiser and the proceeds from all tickets will go towards funding a place for a young person from the region on a 7-day youth development voyage.

No age limit, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available closer to the date.

Interested in holding your own event on the Tucker? You can charter the ship!