While our gaze is often fixed on the cutting edge – the America's Cup AC75s slicing through the Hauraki Gulf, or the SailGP F50s defying gravity – there's an undeniable allure to the foundational artistry of wooden boatbuilding. This Friday, Auckland's Wooden Boat Festival opens its gates, a timely reminder of the rich history from which our high-tech sport evolved.

For those accustomed to the carbon fibre marvels from Southern Spars or the intricate hydraulic systems from Harken, a walk through this festival is a journey back to a different kind of engineering. Here, the focus shifts from computational fluid dynamics to the grain of kauri, the curve of a steam-bent frame, and the meticulous joinery that once defined naval architecture. It’s a chance to appreciate the lineage of design that eventually led to the radical concepts now being tested by Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Britannia.

Maximising your visit means more than just admiring the gleaming varnish. Engage with the shipwrights, understand the restoration processes, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a classic yacht that once plied these waters long before Peter Burling was a twinkle in his father's eye. These vessels, from elegant cruisers to sturdy workboats, embody a spirit of endurance and beauty that transcends the relentless pursuit of speed. They are a tangible link to the sailors who first navigated these challenging waters, honing the wind strategies and tidal knowledge that remain crucial, even on the most advanced racecourses. It's a weekend to reconnect with the soul of sailing, before the next America's Cup cycle inevitably pulls us back to the future.