After a night of phone alerts, red warnings, and heavy rain pushing through Northland, the Bay of Islands has woken to a very different picture. The systems that unsettled the evening have tracked east, taking the worst of the weather with them.
Conditions across Paihia and the inner Bay had stabilised by morning, with no rain falling and the fleet able to look ahead to a day that suits sailing far more than what came before.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week weather turns race-friendly
The forecast for today is about as clean as competitors could ask for. Westerly winds are expected to settle around 16 knots, with gusts climbing into the low 20s. It is a sustained, workable breeze, the kind that rewards good trim and sharp decision-making rather than demanding pure survival instincts. Pressure is expected to remain consistent across the course throughout the racing window.
Dry skies replace overnight rain
Some cloud will hang around through the early part of the day, but conditions are forecast to lift from mid-morning. By early afternoon, sunshine is expected to take hold, bringing a noticeable rise in UV levels once the cover clears. According to PredictWind, no rain is forecast for the day, with dry conditions carrying through into the evening.
Severe weather warnings lifted for Northland
MetService has lifted all severe weather notices previously in place for Northland and the Coromandel. The only active warnings remaining are for the Chatham Islands, where strong winds and rain are forecast as the system continues its eastward track.
For the Bay of Islands fleet, it amounts to a welcome reset after a disruptive night. Racing is scheduled to begin at 10.30am, with Boating New Zealand on site throughout the day providing live coverage as Bay of Islands Sailing Week gets properly underway.
