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BAY of ISLANDS SAILING WEEK
www.bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz
Planning is in final stages for Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2009; November 01 is ‘81 days and counting’. Our event is only made possible through the generous support of loyal sponsors, along with monetary and product donations from other sources of sponsorship. The Bay Regatta is now a significant event on the National Keelboat Racing Calendar. The quality of yachts and crews participating, along with a high profile on-the-water Race Management Team, has resulted in a regatta with that special edge: now a premier New Zealand yachting contest. David Hope-Lewis, our Recreation and Bar Manager sets the stage at the North Sail Marque on Opua Wharf, for a convivial ashore social scene in a unique relaxed country atmosphere. Bay of Islands Sailing Week’s competitive spectacle of sails is the regatta for January 09.
We have a number of new innovations to fine tune the event; Far North Holdings has made the Opua Wharf available again, but this time with some marina berths for Registered Regatta Entrants. Please book early to secure your berth. The Department of Conservation has granted a special concession to the BOI Sailing Week Committee; a beach party at Motu Aroha (Robertson Island main beach) to be the venue at the conclusion of Race Day on Thursday. Subject to weather of course.
And on the subject of sailing ‘way-back’, this Motu has significant historical interest; Captain James Cook on his voyage of discovery 1768-71 aboard the good-ship Endeavour, anchored in the cove at the port side of Roberton Island’s main beach – exactly where the 2009 Bay Regatta beach party is to be held. Capt Cook on special occasions allowed his crew a ration of rum; so those attending the Beach Party will be able to enjoy a tote or two in the modern way, ‘from the deck of Fullers Car Ferry in a plastic glass with ice’.
Another innovation is the inclusion of Cruiser Divisions: Premier Passage (Spinnakers) and Passage (non spinnaker). This fleet will race around islands and rocks as fixed marks – but not Whale Rock as Capt Cook already gave that one a nudge.
To make the Regatta a reality:
January 20, 2009 is Registration Day. A representative from each boat must be at the North Sails Tent by 1600 hrs. Specific times for the compulsory Briefing at Opua Hall will be advised by the end of December
Bay of Islands Sailing Week - Racing in Northland’s Paradise
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