Bay of Islands Sailing Week has secured specialist yacht insurer Pantaenius as its naming partner in a three-year agreement. From the 2027 regatta, the event will be known as Pantaenius Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
The 2027 regatta runs from 24 to 28 January, based in Opua.
German-founded Pantaenius is one of the best-known names in yacht insurance worldwide, and its Australasian operation has been building a strong presence in the Bay of Islands. The sailing week deal sits alongside partnerships with Bay of Islands Marina.
Part of that local work is aimed at a problem many sailors will recognise. Boats returning from the Pacific Islands can find themselves unable to continue their existing insurance cover with their overseas provider, while local insurers may be reluctant to offer cover without a new survey report. That can leave boats in a difficult position, particularly when third-party yacht insurance is required before a marina will lift them out, and suitable cover has historically been hard to find in New Zealand.
Pantaenius helps bridge that gap, providing a seamless insurance solution for boats cruising between the South Pacific and New Zealand, as well as for those transitioning in the other direction. As one of the few providers able to offer cover for international cruising alongside competitive options for boats sailing exclusively in New Zealand waters, Pantaenius gives owners greater flexibility as their cruising plans change, without having to navigate the same gaps in cover when moving between regions.
“Bay of Islands Sailing Week has always been about great racing and a great community, both on the water and off it. Having the brand of Pantaenius standing committed to us for three years is a huge vote of confidence in the event and in the Bay of Islands as a sailing destination. It gives us the certainty to keep growing the regatta, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the whole fleet to Opua in January,” said Andrew Kearney, Chair of Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
“We’re very excited to be part of Bay of Islands Sailing Week. The Bay of Islands is already an important place for us, and we work closely with the local marina and marine businesses to look after the boats and sailors who call it home. Committing to the regatta for the long term is a natural next step, and we’re proud to put our name to one of New Zealand’s favourite sailing events,” said Jamie MacPhail, Owner, Pantaenius Australia/New Zealand.
The event’s website, branding and merchandise will move across to the new Pantaenius Bay of Islands Sailing Week from today.
Register at boisailingweek.org.nz.
