Venue confirmed for BOISW 2025 – a return to Opua CC
Posted onOnshore festivities for Bay of Islands Sailing Week will return to the Opua Cruising Club in a venue announcement this week.
© Lissa Photography
Although the original plan was to return to last years’ location in front of the Bay of Islands Marina, there have been too many uncertainties around the building status of a new Bay of Islands Swordfish Club in the same vicinity.
“We’ve had to look at Plan B as there’s just too many uncertainties around the building progress which would make the area inaccessible, and potentially unsafe if construction is still underway in January 2025,” says on-water organiser Ross Johnston.
Organisers have embraced the decision to return to the Opua Cruising Club and are proposing a redesigned layout with increased food options, live bar, and daily happy hour.
Johnston says while it’s a bit of blow, they plan to bring the same atmosphere with food trucks, live music, and bar to the Opua Cruising Club while utilising the grassy area between the club and general store.
© Lissa Photography
“We received great feedback from sailors and participants following the 2024 edition, so it was always our intention to return to that same space. And there’s every chance that for regattas beyond 2025 this will be possible. However, with our current planning phase we need to have certainty around our venue, and I believe we can bring the same elements which made last years’ atmosphere back to this space,” Ross says.
The new layout will likely be a fenced off area with marquee and bar set up on the grass, however plans are still in progress.
Ross says they are always looking for ways to entice crews off their boats to mingle at regatta headquarters and enjoy the atmosphere.
There is also an exciting prospect in the pipeline for liquor sponsorship which could provide great support and the ability to offer a happy hour.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week begins on Tuesday 21 January 2025, followed by three days of racing from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24. Entries are set to open shortly, stay tuned!!
Media Enquiries
Jacob Fewtrell
Email: media@bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz
Ph: 028 414 9800