With just over two days remaining until the 23rd Bay of Islands Sailing Week, final preparations are accelerating in Opua as crews arrive from across the North Island and the volunteer workforce shifts into full delivery mode.
As boats make their way north and race teams complete last-minute checks, the operational focus turns ashore. Bay of Islands Sailing Week is one of New Zealand’s few remaining stand-alone regattas, planned and delivered entirely by volunteers. Since its inception in 2003, it has been a true sailors’ event, built by the sailing community and sustained through collective effort.
That effort is considerable. Each year, more than 60 volunteers of all ages and experience levels commit their time across every aspect of the regatta. From race management, safety boats, and mark laying on the water, to logistics, social events, and infrastructure ashore, their work spans long days and late nights. The shared objective is clear: to deliver a regatta that is professionally run, welcoming, and worth returning to.
This volunteer-driven model has been central to the event since the beginning. The inaugural Bay of Islands Sailing Week in 2003 was a modest affair by today’s standards, operating from makeshift headquarters and supported by a small but enthusiastic fleet. What it lacked in scale, it made up for in determination, community spirit, and a deep commitment to sailing. More than two decades on, the fleet and sailor count has grown, yet the event’s core values remain unchanged.
The origins of Bay of Islands Sailing Week: How it all began
Continuity remains a defining feature of the regatta. Among those returning this year is Cees Romeyn, who has competed in every Bay of Islands Sailing Week since its launch. He returns again for his 23rd regatta aboard his Whiting 29, Nexus, having witnessed the event’s evolution from its formative years into a fixture of the national sailing calendar.
Chairperson Andrew Kearney says the event’s purpose remains firmly focused on participation.
“We do it for the entrants. It’s a big commitment for them to come, and as long as they want us to keep doing it, we’ll endeavour to do so. Without the committee and volunteers, delivering a stand-alone event like this would not be possible.”
Ultimately, Bay of Islands Sailing Week exists to encourage people to do what they love best, to sail. As the starting guns approach, it is the passion, continuity, and commitment of its volunteer community that continues to underpin one of New Zealand’s enduring big-boat regattas.
