Bay of Islands call out

“But it’s now time for them to pass the torch, and we’d love to hear from any organisation that wants to be involved with this hugely successful event, which offers the chance to reach a large part of the sailing community both here and overseas.”

Kiff also stresses the need for new volunteers to come forward to ensure the continued success of the event.

“Bay Week has always been a volunteer-run event,” said Kiff.

“Every year over 60 people give their time and energy to make it happen, and we have a dedicated committee of nine people who plan the event and make sure everything is ready for January.

“But nobody is going to stay on the committee forever, so we are always looking for new people to come and join us.”

These days, Kiff says the committee usually meets via Zoom, which makes it possible for people from further afield to join in.

“We’d love to have some more representation from the Auckland sailing community and the rest the country because they make up such a big part of our participants at Bay of Islands Sailing Week.”

“It’s clear from the feedback we get after each regatta that this is an event people really love and I think it would be devastating to the sailing community in NZ if it were to disappear.

“So, what we really need now is for everyone who loves this regatta to show their support, whether that’s stepping forward to be on committee, or offering financial support through sponsorship, or even just helping for a few hours during regatta week.”

The regatta has sponsorship opportunities available for all budget levels and volunteering opportunities from a few hours helping to set up, through to committee positions, elected annually at the AGM.

With the AGM set to take place on 20 June, interested parties are urged to make contact as soon as possible to ensure this great event can continue into the future.

The Bay of Islands Sailing Week takes place from 24 to 27 January 2023.

bayofislandssailingweek.org