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The 2025 Bay of Islands Sailing Week delivered another unforgettable event, with participants echoing a common sentiment: "Why wouldn’t you come back? Just look around!"
Three days of racing wrapped up on Friday with Northland’s stunning coastal waters creating the perfect backdrop for another year of competition and camaraderie.
Light morning winds built to afternoon sea breezes on all three race days, making the sailing both tactical and enjoyable as crews enjoyed a mix of light airs and consistent winds.
A total of 92 crews entered this year including two divisions hosting their national championships; the 10-strong Flying Fifteen fleet and the hotly contested Sports Boat fleet.
A highlight of the event was the fierce yet friendly contest between two navy teams from opposite hemispheres in the Gurit Island Racing D Division.
Crews from the British Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy lined up in Chico 40s following a team exercise to deliver the boats up the coast from Auckland.
The UK’s Mako II, helmed by Lieutenant Emma Barry, triumphed over New Zealand’s Manga II, securing second place in their division and earning her one of the Yachting New Zealand SheSails NZ Top Female Helm trophies.
Lieutenant Emma Barry, helming the UK’s Mako II, claimed one of the Yachting New Zealand SheSails NZ Top Female Helm trophies. Photos / Jacob Fewtrell Media
Building on the momentum of last year's debut, these awards cover both Open Racing and Island Racing categories and aim to inspire a new generation of women taking the helm in competitive sailing.
The initiative represents a broader push to transform the sailing landscape, according to Yachting New Zealand national sport development director Raynor Haagh.
"The idea of 'you need to see it to be it' is powerful. Seeing female helms in action can inspire others to try helming and encourage those already involved to continue – knowing our community values their efforts," said Haagh.
"These changes are leading to voluntary evolution, with people embracing the shift, reaping the benefits, and not looking back.
Haagh emphasises that Bay of Islands Sailing Week, with its diverse divisions and vessels, provides the perfect platform for female sailors of all experience levels to compete and excel.
Barry agrees.
“This award is truly special, and the entire week has been incredible. As a team, we get to try all positions in the boat and develop our skills in all areas, so I feel very grateful to have had this opportunity,” the British Royal Navy Officer said.
“Sailing up the coastline before the event allowed us to bond as a crew and get comfortable with the boats. The close competition has been a thrill—yesterday, we were on the hip during a long final leg - they are really evenly matched."
The division was won by local Opua boat The Racoon, a Shaw 550 helmed by Paul Smith, while the second Chico 40 Manga II with the New Zealand team aboard placed third.
Sally Garrett aboard The Godffather. Photos / Jacob Fewtrell Media
The second SheSails NZ Trophy for top female helm was awarded to Flying Fifteen helm Sally Garrett, who claimed third place in their fleet with her crew on The Godffather.
The Flying Fifteen’s nationals doubled as a selection event for their next world championship in Weymouth. Garret is also the NZ Flying Fifteen president and says the Bay of Islands provides ideal training grounds for the UK venue later this year.
“We’ve held our nationals here before, and we couldn’t have asked for better sailing conditions this week - clear waters, minimal wakes, and well-organised racing. It’s a fantastic venue and mirrors what we expect for Weymouth.”
Ben Lowe and crew aboard Ffettucini claimed first place, followed by Murray Gilbert’s Ffrenetic.
More memorable performances across the fleets included domination from Shaw 7 Angry Dragon in the Sports Boat division, who won on line and handicap with brothers Tom and Richard Kiff alternating at the helm, also clinching their national title.
The Sport Boats division was dominated by Angry Dragon. Photos / Jacob Fewtrell Media
Richard attributed their success to a mix of smart decision-making and new sails, with the gennaker playing a key role in their performance.
“We’re really happy with the results. It’s always a great time with great people in the sports boat fleet, which is why there’s always such a good turnout and consistently strong numbers,” he said.
The brothers grew up in the Bay of Islands and still hold strong connections to the sailing community while mainly living overseas.
Rounding out the top three on line were fellow Shaws Daisy Duke and Orange Peeler, led by Matt Gottard and Grant McInnes respectively, while Magic Trick took out second on handicap followed by Magic 25 Houdini.
In the Mount Gay Young 88 division, Young Magic, helmed by Matthew Mason, secured a decisive victory with an almost clean sweep of the races.
Jacko Van Deventer's Sailormoon followed in second place, with War Machine taking third. Roger Sims' Heartlight claimed the overall win on handicap.
In the North Sails Division A, the Bakewell-White 52 Wired claimed line honours. The TP52 V5 and Marten 55 Equilibrium completed the podium while Mike Sanderson's Shaw 35 Rehab won on handicap.
In Island Racing Division B, Tongue Twister stood out with an exceptionally age-diverse crew. The five-person team spanned generations, with members ranging from 18 to over 70, and even welcomed an 11-year-old sailor for the final day of racing.
ired claimed line honours in the North Sails Division A. Photos / Jacob Fewtrell Media
Skipper Brian Hutching credited their success to strategic sail selection and the day's favourable reaching conditions. An additional highlight; spotting dolphins on the final day.
In this division's line rankings, John Kensington's MG Whitbread 30 Sham Pain secured second place and first on handicap, while Kevin Peet's Ross 9.14 Blackout claimed third.
In the non-spinnaker division, it was Elliott 1850 Zindibar taking line honours, followed by Warwick 66 Longfellow. Hanse 400e Golden Pond took out third place on line while also winning their division on handicap.
Regatta chairman Ian Clouston was pleased with how the week had unfolded, noting overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“The feedback has been so encouraging. That’s exactly why we do this,” Clouston said.
