Bay of Islands Sailing Week - Day 3: Triumphs and unforgettable memories
by Hana Hielkema / Jacob Fewtrell Media 21 Feb 05:13 PST
Flying Fifteens - Day 3 - Bay of Islands Sailing Week - January 25, 2025 © Jacob Fewtrell Media
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, 24 January 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 40’s 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 SheSails NZ Top Female Helm trophies.
“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,” she continued.
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.
The two SheSails NZ trophies, introduced last year, aim to celebrate and encourage female sailors to take on helming roles. They are awarded to one female in Island Racing and one in the Windward Leeward courses.
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 40’s 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 SheSails NZ Top Female Helm trophies.
“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,” she continued.
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.
The two SheSails NZ trophies, introduced last year, aim to celebrate and encourage female sailors to take on helming roles. They are awarded to one female in Island Racing and one in the Windward Leeward courses.
The Flying Fifteen> is the biggest one-design keelboat in the world. The fleet offers tight-knit racing, one of the races during Bay of Islands Sailing Week finished within just one minute and twenty seconds.
Results and notes from across the divisions:
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.
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, lead by Matt Gottard and Grant McInnes respectively, while Magic Trick took out 2nd 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 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.
Looking Ahead
As the regatta concludes for another year, organisers extend their gratitude to the sponsors who made the 2025 edition such a success.
With its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional sailing conditions, and memorable camaraderie, the Bay of Islands Sailing Week continues to shine as one of New Zealand’s premier yachting events.
A big thanks to our sponsors North Sails, Explore Group, Northland Inc, Grassroots Trust, Bay of Islands Marina, Gurit, Vining Marine, Bosch, Offshore Cruising Tenders and She Sails/Yachting New Zealand Pub Charity.
Not forgetting our super supporters too, Mt Gay Rum, Speedy Signs, Henri Lloyd Australia, The Chandlery, Northland Waste, Burnso Opua, Cater Marine, More FM, Jacob Fewtrell Media,Trans Marine Pro, Boating NZ, New World, Road Runner Tavern, Opua Cruising Club, Kaleo, Picnic Box, Opua Business Association and DD Gold.
Here’s to more triumphs and memories in 2026!
Final Results www.topyacht.net.au/results/2025/boisw/index.htm
BOISW Key notes: