Issue date
There’s plenty of dockside action in Opua with 2013 Bay of Islands Sailing Week set to get underway tomorrow, Thursday.
The set up began at 7.00am Tuesday with big trucks arriving carrying well organised canvas awnings to become the North Sails Marque. The day began cloudy but warm with an 8-10 knot breeze.
By mid morning the Opua Marina sported the 40 x 10 metre tent and the setting up continued – smaller food tent – bar - race huts – media room, all busy busy getting ready for the official influx between 4pm and 6pm of 70 registered boats.
Simon Hull and crew arrived on Team Vodafone Monday evening after a fast ride up the coast, calling for a transfer from boat to shore – job done thanks to Allen Jones from the Regatta Committee.
Murray Walbran, the Bay of Islands Sailing Week major sponsor CRC and skipper of Cruise Control, was quick to praise the regatta; “this is my 10th participation out of the 11 years and I wouldn’t miss it for quids. It’s an ‘away’ regatta where crews can really get together in sailing waters that are second to none. There’s always a sea breeze, its warm – and just plain fun”
The Bar is busy but most crews will call it a day at a reasonable hour in anticipation of Race Day One Wednesday. Take a look on the Sailing Week website - facebook and Utube - for the day’s video from Will Calver Ocean Photography.
Image by Will Calver/Ocean Photography
