In 1992 two people sat down and discussed their views and vision for what pipe banding was in their eyes.

The outcome was the floating of an idea to start a new band that was different from what was currently in Auckland.  Their idea was floated amongst musicians who had retired from competition bands, or were members of other bands, looking for something a little different.

The "City of Sails Pipe Band" was formed and registered as an incorporated society.

The vision was finally realised when the band attended its first competition as a grade 4 band, at the Tauranga Square day in August 1993, where its members paraded in a variety of kilts.  Many of these from the now defunct Kaikohe Pipe Band.

Shortly after this the band secured sponsorship from Sovereign Assurance and commenced parading and competing under the name 'Sovereign Assurance Pipe Band". 

With this sponsorship ,and numerous fund raising events, the band was able to acquire new uniforms.  The first major challenge for the band was the selection of a tartan.  The band settled upon the distinctive Red Gordon Tartan after finding another new band in Auckland had already placed an order for the bands first choice Tartan, the Lindsay.

In keeping with a key driver of the band to be a leader, the latest chanters, and drums were purchased from Scotland.

The band won many events including their maiden competition in Tauranga.

March 1994 saw the band compete at its first national contest (in Grade 4) where it placed 3rd.  This was a sign of things to come for the band.

The reputation of the band and its playing numbers grew rapidly.  The band direction was to compete every 2 years at the national level.  However, the band made a decision to compete at the following national contest in Nelson. 

This proved to be a watershed decision.

Bringing innovation to the national contest saw the band compete under the threat of disqualification.  The performance of the band that day saw a decisive win and resulted in the promotion to grade three.

Four of the members who participated in this winning performance are still actively playing with the band.

With success came further recognition and playing membership swelling.  The band has gone on to compete at numerous local and national contests.

The desire to compete has seen the band travel to the Australian Nationals in 1996 and more recently, to Alaska in 2000.

The years between 1997 and 1999 turned out to be a double-edged sword.  At its peek in 1998, the playing numbers reached 27 with 18 pipers and 9 drummers.  Although the band was grade 3, it was able to boost that 17 of its paying number had previously competed at the highest level both locally and internationally.

While this raised the standards for the band, it also saw the size of the band shrink with the departure of a number of musicians.  The later part of 1999 saw several members move cities, with some moving to Australia, Japan, and Sweden.  This period also saw two members go on to lead other bands in Auckland.

While the band can still turn out 16 pipers and 8 drummers, the standard has seen the band regraded to grade 4, which is seen as a positive step to allow the band to regroup.

For a number of years, the band has been fortunate to be lead at national contests by the irrepressible Brian Wilson (a resident of Ireland).  Brian has won many National Staff Flourishing titles.  Brian is ranked in the top 2 or 3 in the world.

Many a crowd has been in awe with Brian's presence, deportment, and performance.

The band has competed at every Auckland provincial contest since 1994, again winnnung many titles.

What became of the two who had the vision?  Kerry Ballantyne is actively playing with the band ,and has been the pipe major since the band inception.  Warren Ross who was the inaugural drum sergeant has hung up the sticks due to ill health.  Warren is not lost to the band, as he went on to become vice president of the band. To this day Warren still has a close association with the band.