Specialist yacht insurer Pantaenius has signed a three-year deal to become naming partner of Bay of Islands Sailing Week, with the 2027 regatta to be raced as Pantaenius Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
The agreement gives the Opua-based event long-term commercial certainty as it prepares for its 24th edition from 24 to 28 January 2027.
German-founded Pantaenius has been building up its presence in the Bay of Islands as part of a broader push into the Australasian market. The sailing week partnership complements its existing relationship with Bay of Islands Marina.
The insurer has targeted a specific gap in the New Zealand market: boats returning from Pacific Island cruising often find their overseas cover terminates, while local insurers may demand fresh surveys before issuing new policies. Suitable cover has historically been hard to find in New Zealand. This leaves owners stranded, particularly when marinas require third-party insurance before hauling out. Pantaenius offers continuous cover for boats transitioning between the South Pacific and New Zealand, as well as competitive options for locally based vessels.
"Bay of Islands Sailing Week has always been about great racing and a great community, both on the water and off it. Having a brand of Pantaenius' standing commit to us for three years is a huge vote of confidence in the event and in the Bay of Islands as a sailing destination," said Andrew Kearney, Chair of Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
Jamie MacPhail, owner of Pantaenius Australia/New Zealand, said the regatta commitment was a natural progression of the company's local engagement. "The Bay of Islands is already an important place for us, and we work closely with the local marina and marine businesses to look after the boats and sailors who call it home."
The event's website, branding and merchandise will transition to the new name over coming weeks.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week began in 2003 with 39 boats and now regularly attracts more than 100 entries across grand prix racers, cruising keelboats, trailer yachts and multihulls. The regatta is run largely by volunteers from the Opua, Kerikeri, Russell and Bay of Islands clubs.
