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Bay Week

Record entries expected at Bay Week

Issue date

The CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week looks set to be the biggest yet with more than 100 boats already entered two weeks out, confirming its place as the country's biggest keelboat regatta.

The entry list for the event, which takes place from January 22-25, already stands at 101 boats. This time last year, entries stood at 87, with the final total being just over 100 boats.

Organisers say the continued growth shows just how much people love CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week, which has always aimed to be a regatta “by sailors, for sailors”.

“We’re almost totally run by volunteers, and that’s something I’m really proud of," regatta chair Manuela Gmuer-Hornell said. "We’re a regatta by the people, for the people, and I think that’s what makes Bay Week special.

“We did a survey last year to see what people wanted changed, and the response was pretty clear - not a lot - so that’s really good to know that we’re putting on an event people love and want to come back to every year.

“But we’re always looking for ways we can make little changes to make each year a bit different, like bringing back the beach party this year. I’m really looking forward to that, and I’m sure there’s a lot of sailors who are, too.”

CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week offers a wide variety of racing options for monohulls, multihulls and sport boats.

Entrants have the option to participate in windward-leeward racing, or opt for a single, longer bay race each day, with or without spinnakers. There’s also class racing for Young 88s, Weta Trimarans and Tornadoes, and organisers are happy to hear from any other classes that would like to take part.

Entries will still be accepted right up to registration on Tuesday January 22 (4pm-6pm) but online entry is recommended via the website at www.bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz.