When two events share the same stretch of water over the same weekend, combining forces is the logical move. Organisers have confirmed that the upcoming Kawau regatta will join the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Squadron Weekend, running as a joint programme across Friday and Saturday. The arrangement promises a tidier schedule for competitors and, with any luck, stronger numbers on the start line.
Racing gets underway on Friday 30 January, with the first warning signal set for 6.00pm off Westhaven. The fleet will head out together, finishing between Te Kouma and Momona Point, where the RNZYS committee boat will be on station. Race management and results across the combined weekend will be coordinated by the RNZYS team.
Saturday 31 January sees the Kawau contingent joining all classes racing under the Squadron Weekend banner. Course options are expected to draw on the variety the island setting offers, with organisers clear that racing won't be confined to laps of Kawau Island. Final course details will be communicated ahead of the start.
Two separate prizegiving functions round out the social side of the weekend. Following Saturday's racing, the Kawau regatta prizegiving will be held at Kawau Boating Club, with sponsor trophies and a live band booked for the occasion. The RNZYS will then host its own prizegiving on the lawns of Lidgard House as part of Squadron Weekend. Tickets and wristbands for the Squadron events are available directly through RNZYS.
Entries close at 6.00pm on Wednesday 28 January, with online entries now open. The entry fee is $50 per race.
