Yewww! We can’t wait to see you all back in the Bay for the 23rd edition of Bay of Islands Sailing Week. The boats are arriving, the tents are going up and we’re gearing up for another week on and off the water.
To help you get organised, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the action kicking off.
Sailing Instructions
Sailing Instructions are out. Please make sure you’ve read them before racing begins.
Registration & Skippers Briefing
Registration will be open from 1500 – 1700 on Monday 19th at Event HQ.
We would absolutely love to see all skippers (and crews!) at the Skippers Briefing, held at 1700 after registration. This is an important part of the week and a great chance to kick things off together.
BOISW WhatsApp Groups
We’ll be using WhatsApp groups throughout the week to share key updates, reminders, and time-sensitive information. We strongly encourage all skippers and crew to join both the BOISW Fleet group and your course group, so you don’t miss anything important during the regatta. (These are the same groups used in previous years.)
BOISW Fleet (General Announcements)
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Iao85onRQZLBS7ivkq279H
BOISW – Island Racing
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BvRcLaqbVnVKiaJSdRbABT
BOISW – Inner Course
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EpxxFziqIkbIvo9Itnh0Iw
BOISW Merchandise – Order Now
Pre-orders for BOISW merchandise are still live. As you know, we have Quality Marine Clothing on board again, alongside SLAM, with some epic gear available. Pre-ordering is the best way to secure your size and favourites. There will also be a store onsite during the event
Explore Beach Party – 22 January
The Explore Beach Party on 22 January is shaping up to be a winner. Tickets are still available, so make sure you grab yours if you haven’t already.
Berths – Limited Availability
Bay of Islands Marina still has a small number of berths available, but space is limited. If you’re planning on a marina berth, we encourage you to book as soon as possible
Lunch Orders – Opua Store
Lunch orders from the Opua Store are still available. Please remember to place your order if you haven’t already.
Important Notice from Northland Ferries
To help keep the Opua channel safe and running smoothly, skippers are reminded to follow COLREGS and keep vessel movements predictable. Ferries operate on a fixed route and generally keep to starboard during crossings. When departing Opua, skippers are asked to favour the starboard side of the channel, allowing ferries a clear and safe departure. Ferries are large vessels and cannot stop quickly, so clear give-way behaviour and mutual awareness are essential.
Marine Mammal Sanctuary Rules
The Bay of Islands is a designated Marine Mammal Sanctuary, and dolphins are frequently encountered during racing. Race boats may continue racing when dolphins are present, however no vessel may enter designated 5-knot zones at any time.
All non-racing vessels – including chase boats and support boats must stop if dolphins are within 300m, unless responding to a genuine emergency.
Clean Regatta
Bay of Islands Sailing Week is proud to be a Platinum Clean Regatta. We ask all crews to help look after the Bay by minimising waste onboard, using the recycling and compost stations at Event HQ, and observing no-discharge and local marine rules. Small actions from every boat make a big difference.
Après-Sail Entertainment
There’ll be entertainment every night, with bars flowing courtesy of Mount Gay Rum and Epic Beer, the perfect way to debrief after racing and catch up with mates.
We’re hugely looking forward to welcoming you all back to the Bay and sharing another brilliant week of racing, socialising, and classic ‘Bay Week’ moments.
See you very soon,
The Bay of Islands Sailing Week Team