Vixen Racing will be on the start line at Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2026
But this isn’t just another yacht arriving for a regatta… Vixen Racing is a team with a mission! Vixen Racing has a new approach, one that is as serious about offshore sailing as it is about boosting opportunities for sailors who might not be able to access the networks to get themselves aboard offshore racers heading out to the blue water.
Skipper and shareholder Sharon Feris says she’s excited about getting the boat to the Bay to participate in the iconic Bay Week Regatta and get the message out about Vixen’s vision.
“It’s about showing what’s possible,” says Sharon Ferris-Choat, world-class sailor, shareholder, and one of the driving forces behind Vixen Racing. “Vixen is our test lab, classroom, raceboat and pathway to elite ocean sailing – all in one.”
How Vixen Racing Works? Vixen Racing is owned by shareholders from across the sailing community. Each race or offshore passage is scheduled in advance, and all berths not occupied by shareholders are available for sale on their website.
SheSails and Vixen a Natural Connection
What makes Vixen Racing’s appearance at Sailing Week so special is the way it aligns with SheSails NZ, a key initiative within Yachting New Zealand’s Women and Girls in Sailing Strategy, who proudly support BOISW. SheSails exists to champion participation, leadership, and visibility for women in sailing, and Vixen Racing is the perfect embodiment of that vision.
The team is female-focused, inclusive, and committed to building pathways for women to take leadership roles in offshore sailing. By chance most of the shareholders are women, and each one has stepped forward with purpose, bringing experience, ambition, and the drive to make a real difference in the sport.
It’s not just about ownership. It’s about mentorship, inspiration, and showing the next generation what’s possible.
A Team Learning While Doing
The redefined Vixen Racing team may be new to many events, but they are far from inexperienced.
Taylor Edwards, the boat captain and chief mate, is on a pathway toward becoming a skipper, while other shareholders are pursuing higher maritime qualifications. Some bring decades of experience; others are formalising skills with certifications. Together, they are building a culture that values learning, mentorship, and collaboration as much as performance.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week: A Milestone and a Celebration
For Vixen Racing, Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2026 is more than just a regatta. It’s a key point in a campaign that’s still very much in its early stages. It’s a chance to test the boat, refine the crew, and show what this team is capable of.
And yet, the focus isn’t solely on winning. The regatta is about connection: with sailors, with young aspiring crews, and with the community that supports offshore racing. It’s about giving back while pushing forward and showing that racing doesn’t have to be exclusive, it can be inclusive, inspiring, and genuinely fun.
Vixen Racing’s journey is only just beginning. There are new campaigns, new offshore legs, and new people joining the team all the time. But for Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2026, Vixen Racing will be showcasing what they are all about!
Find out more: vixenracing.co.nz
SheSails NZ: https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/clubs/shesails-nz