Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025 is almost here, and we’re thrilled to welcome you back for another incredible regatta. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time participant, this event is about more than just racing—it’s about community and a rum or two…As always, we’re asking for your full support both on and off the water. We would love to see you enjoying the offerings at the Race HQ, and joining in the social side of the event, with your friends and family!

Below is everything you and your crew need to know to make the most of Bay of Islands Sailing Week.

FOOD & DRINK OPTIONS: Don’t go Hungry… nor thirsty

Get going with Breakfast:

  • Bay of Islands Yacht Club – Breakfast Rolls – $5 per roll – Served daily at the Event HQ from 7:30 AM (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday).
  • Opua General Store – Great quick breakfast food options from 6.30 AM.
  • Marina Cafe – Standard cafe style breakfast, 500m from Event HQ from 9AM.

Your morning Coffee:

  • Local cafés, including Opua General Store and Opua Marina Café, are offering discounts for reusable cup users.

Lunch options:

  • Beat the rush! Pre-order your lunch from Opua General Store via the forms able to be downloaded here
  • Looking to enjoy a gourmet meal during the event without the hassle of cooking? The Picnic Box BOI has you covered with their gourmet grazing, picnic, and BBQ boxes—perfect for fuelling up between races or enjoying a relaxed meal with your crew. Check out the website: thepicnicboxboi.co.nz
    Order online anytime up to 4pm the day before.Choose your preferred pickup location at Paihia Wharf or have it delivered to addresses around Paihia, Opua, Russell, or even the BOI Marina.

Dinner Time:

  • OCC Galley: Open daily with a selection of hearty meals.
  • Outdoor BBQ by 2BrokeGurlz: Serving classic barbecue favourites every evening.
  • ElCoyote Tacos: Offering delicious taco options on Wednesday and Friday.
  • OCC Fundraising BBQ: Supporting the BOIYC Youth Sailing Program, available on Wednesday and Friday.

   

© Jacob Fewtrell Media + Lisa Photography

What you need to know about our Bars

Tuesday:

  • OCC Bar open from 2 PM onward for bar purchases.
  • No bar service at the marquee.
  • Drink tickets for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday available for purchase during registration.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:

  • New World Bar and Mount Gay Bar open at the marquee from 3 PM onward.
  • Purchase drink tickets at the marquee counter (1 ticket = 1 drink).
  • Stock up on tickets to avoid queues.
  • Bars run by friendly volunteers—show them your appreciation!

 

Shuttle Options for Bay of Islands Sailing Week:

Make sure to team up with others to share rides and make your bookings early!

  • Opua to Paihia (and return):
    • Provided by Haruru Cabs.
    • Minimum 5 people, maximum 10 people per trip.
    • $35 return ticket or $25 one-way ticket.
    • Ideal for evenings after the event or mornings to get to Opua for the races.
    • Parking in Opua is limited—consider the shuttle!
    • Contact Paul at +64 27 679 8838 to book.
  • Russell Cab – Russell to/from Okiato:
    • Russell Cab available for $25 one-way (up to 5 people).
    • Be mindful of the last ferry from Opua to Okiato, which departs at 9:50 PM.
    • Contact 021 396 398 to arrange a trip.
  • Russell Mini Tours – Russell to/from Okiato:
    • Russell Mini Tours are ready to provide a shuttle in the mornings and evenings for those who’s boats stay in Opua, but accommodation is in Russell.
    • Minimum 6 people, maximum 9 people.
    • Pickup / drop-off Okiato, the last ferry from Opua to Okiato departs at 9:50 PM.
    • Bookings are essential with the opportunity to adjust pick-up and drop-off times. To book contact Kelly 0211829359 or email russelltours@hotmail.com

© Jacob Fewtrell Media

Sailing Instructions Now Available!

We’re excited to announce that the Sailing Instructions (SIs) are now available on both the official regatta app and the BOISW Website

 

CLEAN REGATTA INITIATIVES: Protecting Our Environment

  • Waste Management:
    • Dispose of personal and boat rubbish only at BOI Marina’s dedicated rubbish and recycling stations.
    • Event bins are strictly for event waste—non-event waste disrupts our waste management statistics.
    • Recycling stations will be available at the venue. Please read and follow the signs.
  • Reusable Cups and Plates:
    • Wash-Not-Waste trailer available Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
    • Wine and rum served in reusable cups—refill or return to the bar or Wash-Not-Waste trailer after use.
    • Beer and mixers will continue to be served in bottles and cans.
  • Coastguard Presence:
    • Coastguard will be on-site with a boat from Auckland to assist if needed.
  • Water Refill Stations:
    • Located at the event HQ—bring and use reusable water bottles.
  • Sailor Manual:
    • Refer to Clean Regattas Green Boating Guide for additional guidelines and best practices

Together, let’s reduce waste, embrace reusables, and aim for another Clean Regattas certification!

© Lisa Photography

Crew wanted & available

Looking for a spot or need an extra pair of hands? Check out the Crew Wanted and Available lists. It would be great to get everyone who wants to sail out on the water.

Secure your official event clothing

The official range of 2025 BOISW gear is  available to pre-order. Customise a shirt with your boat name, or pre-order to make sure you secure your gear and avoid missing out if supplies run out during the regatta.

Order now on the DDGold website, or call 09 407 1527

The BOISW App

The BOISW app is available for download on the App Store or Google Play! It provides daily updates, reminders, sailing instructions, and contact details—all in one place for easy access to vital information right at your fingertips.

If you’re having trouble, keep an eye on our Facebook page for a helpful demonstration video.

We highly recommend using the app to access Sailing Instructions (SIs), even in areas with no cellphone service, which is common in parts of the Bay of Islands. Be sure to enable push notifications to receive instant updates and SI amendments while you’re out on the water. Don’t get caught out at Nine Pin wondering if it’s a port or starboard rounding!

Also Join WhatsApp!!

We’ll also be using WhatsApp in addition to the BOISW app to push important notifications out to competitors on the water.

To ensure you receive all important notifications, we highly recommend you and your crew download both the BOISW app and join the BOISW Fleet WhatsApp.

The more people who are ‘connected’ on your boat, the more likely you are to get timely notification of any important updates

Spotties

Yes, we’ll have spot prizes, thanks to our generous local businesses and sponsors! Make sure you’re at the Event HQ to be in the draw for some extra goodies during the evening. Don’t miss out!

Sail repairs by North Sails

Don’t let a damaged sail ruin your regatta! North Sails will run a service loft at the regatta to repair sails from any manufacturer.

Contact North Sails BOI

 

Supporting the regatta ashore

This event thrives not just on the water but through the vibrant atmosphere at the Race HQ. By coming ashore, enjoying food and drinks, and connecting with fellow sailors, you ensure the continued success of Bay of Islands Sailing Week. Your participation off the water helps sustain the event for future years.

Whether you’re racing, spectating, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, we can’t wait to share this incredible event with you. Gather your crew, and get ready for what’s to come!

 

BOISW Media Enquiries

Jacob Fewtrell:

Media@bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz

028 414 9800