The Foil Bay of Islands regatta, the largest foiling competition in the southern hemisphere, provided the perfect stage for a moving tribute this past Friday with the inaugural JJ Rice Memorial Islands Race. The event, held at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, brought together competitors from around the world—from Olympic hopefuls to emerging talent—all united by their passion for the sport and a shared desire to celebrate the legacy of one of foiling’s promising young athletes.
The memorial race honours Jackson James (JJ) Rice, a United States-born kitefoiler and Olympic hopeful who dreamed of competing for Tonga. Tragically, JJ lost his life in a diving accident in Ha’apai on 14 June 2024 at the age of 18. Having competed in five previous editions of the regatta, JJ’s determination and skill left an indelible mark on the foiling community. His memory lives on through this race, supported by About Being Seen and the Rice Family, and serves as an inspiration to all who share his passion for the water.
Participants faced challenging conditions in what was described as a day of epic racing. Competitors pushed their limits, racing through the iconic waters of the Bay of Islands in a tribute not only to a fallen sportsman but also to the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the regatta.
Windfoiler Fleet Highlights
A few of the things that really stood out during the race was how impressive the lineup was, the current depth of talent in New Zealand, and how inclusive the sport is.
Out of the top five winners in the windfoiler fleet, three were women—proof that foiling truly is for everyone! First Overall and in First Place was Josh Armit (NZ). Armit emerged as a youth sailing sensation after winning the boys’ Laser Radial at the 2018 World Championships. Though he paused his career due to the ILCA 7 transition, he embraced windfoiling in 2020, quickly becoming New Zealand’s top competitor with national titles, top-10 finishes, and fourth at Paris 2024. Second Overall and First Wildfoiler Female was Veerle ten Have (NZ). Ten Have, a Youth Olympic Games athlete, emerged as New Zealand’s top women’s windfoiling prospect after switching from RS:X in late 2021. Dominating locally and excelling internationally, she achieved impressive 2022 results, securing bronze at the Princess Sofia Regatta and notably finishing sixth at the Olympic test event in Marseille. Third overall was Stella Bilger (NZ). In 2023, Bilger returned from an 18-month break to win the prestigious SailGP Inspire Waszp title, surpassing seven global competitors. She is currently training in the Olympic IQ wind-foil class, campaigning for the 2028 LA Olympics.
First Youth Female was Juliette Babey, who came all the way from France to compete. First Youth Male was Vlad Misescu (NZ). Vlad came third place in last year’s Foil Bay of Islands IQY Class.
Kitefoiler Fleet Highlights
First Overall and First Female was Lucy Bilger (NZ). Lucy had been training with the New Zealand Olympic team as she progress in the iQFOiL discipline, and placed first in the Kite Foil Women Regatta in Sail Sydney—Australia’s Kitefoil National Championships—in December 2024. Second Overall and First Male was Oscar Timm (AUS). By 2024’s end, Oscar Timm competed internationally and domestically in Australia, finishing Sail Melbourne and Sail Sydney. He placed third overall and first among Australians, clinching the national title. Third overall was Noora Ruskola who travelled from Finland to compete. Noora placed 17th, with Camilla Cedercreutz, in the 49er FX event at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The results highlighted a strong showing from local New Zealand talent, with competitors delivering impressive performances that resonated with the spirited legacy of JJ Rice.
With every tack and turn on the water, the Foil Bay of Islands regatta reaffirms its status as a premier event in the foiling calendar. The race not only honours JJ Rice but also cements the regatta’s role in fostering talent, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the water.
