A 23-year association with an event that has become New Zealand's biggest freshwater yachting regatta ended yesterday with the final day of the Meridian Aviemore Classic.
When the event was first sailed, the then-ECNZ was its sponsor. ECNZ was split and Meridian Energy Ltd formed to take over the Waitaki hydro-electricity generation system.
Meridian continued involvement in the classic, ending this year with the 23rd event.
But the Timaru Yacht and Power Boat Club, which organises the two-day event, is confident of getting financial support for next year's regatta.
Club commodore Ivan Stevenson said on Saturday that could be a single sponsor or a "conglomerate of sponsors".
The event continues to attract big entries. This year, 69 entered, short of the peak of 90 yachts because of fuel costs and fewer entries from Christchurch and Lyttelton after the earthquakes in the region.
Apart from the major sponsor, the event continues to be supported by at least 18 other companies and organisations.
Mr Stevenson said Meridian had ended its sponsorship following the Government decision requiring it to sell the Tekapo canal and its two power stations to Genesis.
Meridian took over other power stations, and would spread its sponsorship further afield.
"We still have lots of options for a major sponsor or conglomerate of sponsors," he said. "The classic has such a high profile and attracts so much interest I'm confident it'll be run again next year."
