About Us
In 2002, an English couple, Tony and Nina Kiff, had cruised and arrived in New Zealand with their four children; they asked “why is there no premier sailing event in the Bay of Islands, given its splendid location and friendly people”. After talking to locals in the ‘boating/yachting’ community, they formed the nucleus of a group committed to bringing such an event to the Bay.
An approach was made in May 2002 to the Opua Cruising Club, Bay of Islands Yacht Club, Russell Boating Club and Kerikeri Cruising Club, and an inaugural committee was formed for Bay of Islands Sailing Week Inc. With a $500 loan from each of the Bay boat clubs and a $5000 grant from the Far North District Council, the first regatta was underway. Tony Kiff as Chairman, Nina Kiff, Treasurer; Lorraine Kite, Secretary, Paul Karl, OCC rep, David Hope-Lewis, BOIYC rep, Lawrence Scott, RBC rep and Ray Haslar, KCC rep.
