Swell sailing

Conditions at the regatta are often very light, as high-pressure systems tend to dominate the weather at this time of year.

Regular competitors are used to waiting long spells for the sea breeze to fill in before racing can get underway. However last year’s regatta was called off a day early in unseasonably bad weather. Organisers say they don’t expect a repeat of that this year though, and conditions are expected to be perfect for sailing, with good breeze throughout the day on at least two of the race days.

“In the past we’ve often had to wait for a sea breeze to kick in from late morning, but the forecast at the moment is showing 10 to 15 knots southerly in the mornings on Wednesday and Thursday, and maybe a bit less on Friday as a high moves over,” Ian says.

Entrants in this year’s regatta hail from around the North Island, with many boats coming from Auckland, as well as Tauranga, Napier and Wellington. The regatta is also well supported by local boats, which usually represent at least a third of the entries each year.

The event is almost entirely run by volunteers, and a team of over 60 people commit their time on the water and on shore to make the event happen each year. Financial support is provided by the event’s sponsors – North Sails, Explore Bay of Islands, Bay of Islands Marina, Gurit, Mount Gay Rum and Yachting New Zealand. Funding is also received from Pub Charity and Grassroots Trust, along with many donations in kind from local businesses.

What’s Happening?

Three days of competitive and fun racing for yachts of all shapes and sizes, with plus evening entertainment. This year’s event will be the 21st edition of the regatta.

When?

Racing starts Wednesday 24 January, and continues through Thursday 25th, concluding Friday 26 January.

Where?

Racing takes place throughout the Bay of Islands, with smaller boats racing inshore, and larger, faster boats racing in the outer Bay. The ‘Island Racing’ divisions sail longer courses using the area’s spectacular natural features and islands as race marks.

Evening entertainment is provided at the North Sails & Explore Marquee, in a new location this year at the southern end of the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua, with spot prize draws every evening.

A Beach Party on Thursday evening will be hosted by Otehei Bay Resort on Urupukapuka Island, with ferry transport provided by Explore Bay of Islands. The Prizegiving ceremony is in Opua on Friday, with live music from Ngati Soul Music.

Two new trophies are on the line at the annual Bay of Islands Sailing Week regatta from 23-26 January this year. The Yachting New Zealand SheSails NZ Top Female Helm Open Racing and Top Female Helm Island Racing trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring boat with a female helmsperson in each of the regatta’s two division types.

The new awards will celebrate and promote the achievements of female sailors in the regatta, says Bay of Islands Sailing Week spokesperson Helen Horrocks. It’s hoped this will help boost female participation in the event, and encourage more women to take on the role of helmsperson.

The regatta has partnered with Yachting New Zealand’s SheSails NZ initiative as naming sponsors for the new trophies, as part of the national governing body’s strategy to support and promote women and girls in sailing.

bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz