Bay of Islands Sailing Week returns from 19 to 23 January 2026, bringing together crews from across New Zealand and beyond for four days of racing in one of the country's most scenic sailing regions. Now in its twenty-third year, the regatta has cemented its place as a summer fixture on the sailing calendar.
The on-water programme covers a variety of racing and island courses, with divisions catering to open racing, island racing, sports boats, and the Young 88 fleet. The Notice of Race confirms a busy schedule, with the first warning signal at 10:25am each day and many divisions scheduled for up to three races across the week.
Entries are already building ahead of race week, and organisers are encouraging skippers to get their paperwork in early. For those still seeking a berth, the regatta's Crew Finder remains the easiest way to connect available sailors with skippers who need crew before racing gets underway.
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January typically delivers some of the finest conditions the Bay has to offer, and the regatta continues to balance competitive sailing with relaxed evenings ashore across the many towns in the Bay of Islands. Keelboats, trailer yachts, multihulls, and sports boats all have a place in the fleet, making Bay of Islands Sailing Week a straightforward addition to any summer sailing plan.
