One week to go – here’s what you need to know…

We’re just a week away from New Zealand’s best big boat regatta! Hopefully you’re all geared up for an awesome few days of racing in the spectacular Bay of Islands.

We have lots of changes and improvements at this year’s regatta, so even if you’re a regular, be sure to read on to find out all the essential details you need to know to have the best Bay of Islands Sailing Week possible.

And remember – if you haven’t entered yet, you can still do so right up until the end of Registration next Tuesday 23 January. But the sooner you enter the easier it is for our team of volunteers to plan a fun and successful regatta for everyone, so please enter online now.

The BOISW Survival Guide

2024 Regatta Schedule:

Tue 23 Jan – Registration & Briefing

2pm – 5pm – REGISTER at the North Sails & Explore Marquee. Collect your starter pack and division flag there. Please note the earlier time from previous years!

5pm – BRIEFING in the North Sails & Explore Marquee is mandatory for at least one crew from each boat – ideally the Skipper.

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
are digital only – once published the SI’s and any amendments will be available via the BOISW App. Updates will also be notified via the BOISW Fleet WhatsApp group and we recommend as many of your crew as possible have access to these to ensure any important notifications reach your boat.

LATE ENTRIES will be accepted right up until the end of Registration, if you haven’t already entered.

Wed 24 to Fri 26 Jan – Race Days

  • BREAKFAST will be available at Regatta HQ from 7am, with the Bay of Islands Yacht Club serving up bacon & egg buns for $5 each. The Opua Store will also be open for coffees and cabinet food from 6.30am, and the Marina Cafe from 8am.
  • WEATHER report by North Sails will be available each morning, notified via the BOISW App and WhatsApp.
  • RACING starts at 10.30am and generally finishes around 4pm-ish daily.
  • DRINKS served at the main bar and Mount Gay Rum Bar in the North Sails & Explore Marquee after racing.
  • FOOD served by a variety of vendors at Regatta HQ after racing.
  • ENTERTAINMENT at Regatta HQ each evening.
  • SPOT PRIZE DRAWS every evening in the North Sails & Explore Marquee – be there to win!

Plus…

Wed 24 Jan – Nautical Theme Party with Live Music

We’re amping up the party atmosphere at Regatta HQ with a Nautical Theme Night and live music from Any Xcuse. So dig out those nautical stripes and join us for a beverage and a boogie!

Thu 25 Jan – Explore Beach Party at Otehei Bay

It’s the night you’ve all been waiting for – the Beach Party at Otehei Bay with live music from Epic The Band. Ferry tickets are selling fast and departures usually sell out. Get yours now.

Fri 26 Jan – Prizegiving

Prizegiving is scheduled to take place from around 6.30pm on Friday – but please bear with us as start time is dependent on processing of all results. We’ll get things rolling as quickly as we can. Stick around after the formalities for live music from Ngati Soul Music and party into the night with us!


Location

You’ll find us in a NEW location this year, on the grass area at the southern end of the Bay of Islands Marina. More space, great views, closer to the action – what’s not to love about that?!

Food & Drink

Also NEW for this year we’ll have a variety of food vendors at Regatta HQ offering snacks and meals, so you can try something different each night. Of course we’ll have the main bar and Mount Gay Rum Bar as usual too!

Entertainment

We’re ramping up the party atmosphere this year with a Nautical Theme Party on Wednesday, Beach Party on Thursday and live music for Prizegiving on Friday.

Be sure to book your tickets for the sell-out Beach Party ferry!

Spot Prizes

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors we’ve got a HEAP of spot prizes to give away at Regatta HQ each evening. Be there to win haul outs, vouchers, sailing gear and more!

Safety spot checks

Be prepared for random safety spot checks at any point during the regatta, dockside or on the water. We’d really appreciate your co-operation as it is for everyone’s safety – including that of volunteers and rescuers who may be called to help in the event of an emergency.

Rules & Regs in the BOI

There are several regulations in force in the Bay of Islands that you need to be aware of. These include speed and lifejacket regs, anchoring restrictions due to invasive exotic caulerpa, Marine Mammal Sanctuary regulations and fishing bans. Get the full details here.

Clean Regatta

We’re proud to be a PLATINUM Clean Regatta – and it’s thanks to your efforts we continue to achieve that status. Help us reach the same high standard this year by minimising waste, separating recyclables and refilling your water bottles.

Bay of Islands Marina

For marina berths bookings, pier entry, shower and toilet access etc – please contact the Opua Marina office during their opening hours – daily from 8.15am to 5pm, on 09 402 7124 or enquiries@boimarina.co.nz.

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.

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

Packed lunches

The Opua Store will again be preparing packed lunches to order. Make sure you order at least a day before to ensure you get what you’re after, as demand is VERY high on race days, with sandwiches often selling out fast.

Opua Store Packed Lunch Order Form

Official event clothing

The official range of 2024 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 DD Gold website, or email office@ddgold.co.nz or call 09 407 1527

We look forward to seeing you next week, but if you still have questions in the meantime, feel free to contact us or have a look at the regatta info on the website.