Fourteen identical keelboats, six tightly contested races, and a two-point winning margin: the 2026 Bay of Islands Etchells Cup Regatta delivered close, compelling sailing that has become the hallmark of this growing Northland fleet.
Russell Boating Club organised the regatta across 7 and 8 March 2026, with Boating New Zealand again lending its name as a sponsor. The Bay of Islands played its usual hand across the two days, morning sessions characterised by light breezes before stronger afternoon winds arrived to lift the tempo and sharpen the tactical demands on every crew.
The fleet of 14 boats was itself a statement of the class's momentum in the region. That figure represents a meaningful increase on the nine entries that turned out for the 2025 edition, and in a one-design class where hull, rig, and equipment are all governed by strict controls, a deeper fleet means nowhere to hide. Consistency, boat handling, and sharp decision-making become the only currencies that matter.
The Business, skippered by Stephen Pepperell of Russell Boating Club, had enough of all three to take the title. Three race victories across the series underpinned Pepperell's campaign, and a discarded sixth-place finish left The Business with a net score of 10 points, enough to claim the 2026 Bay of Islands Etchells Cup.
Close behind The Business throughout the weekend was Matauwhi, helmed by Geof Lyman and also sailing under the Russell Boating Club burgee. Two race wins kept Matauwhi firmly in the hunt, and Lyman's crew ultimately finished just two points back on 12 points to take second place overall. A regatta decided by that margin, with both boats from the same club, underlined how competitive the local fleet has become.
Third place went to QUANTUM, skippered by Derek Edwards of Opua Cruising Club. A composed accumulation of results across all six races delivered QUANTUM a net score of 18 points and a podium finish.
The Etchells class carries considerable history. American naval architect Skip Etchells drew the 9.5-metre design in 1966, and the strict one-design principles built into the class rules have since established it as one of the most respected keelboats in competitive sailing. Hulls are produced from certified moulds, equipment specifications are tightly regulated, and the playing field that results puts the emphasis squarely on the people in the boat rather than the machinery beneath them.
Russell Boating Club's Etchells contingent has been growing steadily over recent seasons, with close to ten boats now appearing regularly at club-level events. The Bay of Islands Etchells Cup has emerged as the key fixture for the class in the region, drawing local regulars alongside visiting crews keen to test themselves on these waters.
Results are provisional at the time of publication, with confirmed final standings and event photos to follow.
