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HomeBay of Islands Sailing WeekHistory of Bay of Islands Sailing WeekNina and Tony Kiff: The visionaries behind the Bay of Islands Sailing Week

Nina and Tony Kiff: The visionaries behind the Bay of Islands Sailing Week

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Graciously supplied by Nina and Tony Kiff, or BOISW Committee.

The Bay of Islands Sailing Week has earned its place as one of New Zealand’s premier sailing events, drawing sailors from across the globe to compete in the stunning waters of the Bay of Islands. But beyond the regattas, camaraderie, and celebrations lies a story of vision, perseverance, and passion—embodied by Nina and Tony Kiff, the adventurers who helped turn a dream into a cornerstone of New Zealand’s sailing calendar. Their tale is one of exploration, determination, and a deep desire to create a meaningful legacy in the community they now call home.

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This article, ‘Nina and Tony Kiff: The visionaries behind the Bay of Islands Sailing Week‘, is the first of a series of five articles that tell the story of the Bay of Islands Sailing Week.

Born to sail

Nina and Tony Kiff aren’t ordinary sailors—they are adventurers at heart. Both were introduced to the water at a young age where they grew up in England, fostering a love for sailing that would shape their lives. Nina began dinghy sailing in Wayfarers in the early 1970s and soon found herself drawn to longer adventures. In 1974, she joined her great-uncle, Humphrey Barton who founded the Ocean Cruising Club, and his wife Mary aboard the Rose Rambler for six weeks of cruising in the West Indies, an experience that solidified her love for the open sea. 

Nina joined her great-uncle, Humphrey Barton who also founded the Ocean Cruising Club, and his wife Mary aboard the Rose Rambler. a 35ft Laurent Giles-designed Bermudan sloop, for six weeks of cruising in the West Indies, an experience that solidified her love for the open sea. Image credit: the 2016/1 Journal of the Ocean Cruising Club

Tony, too, was drawn to the sea’s call, and he became a technical assistant for Camper & Nicholsons, one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht builders and brokerage firms in the world, with a legacy dating back to the late 18th century. Based in the United Kingdom, Camper & Nicholsons has been at the forefront of luxury yacht design, construction, and management, playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern yachting industry.

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Bavaria Vision 42 - 2018
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Camper & Nicholsons’ legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of yachting itself. For generations, this iconic firm has been at the forefront of every major evolution in the industry.

Their love of sailing drew them to each other, and together they imagined a life of sea adventure. That dream materialised in Wetherley, their beloved Nicholson 45, a classic sailing yacht crafted in 1972 by Camper & Nicholsons. Built for endurance and elegance, Wetherley became more than a vessel—it was their home and a symbol of their adventurous spirit.

Built with care and craftsmanship in 1972 by Camper & Nicholsons in Gosport, England, Wetherley is hull number 6 of just 8 in this timeless design. Over the decades, she has been treasured by a series of dedicated owners who have ensured her condition remains exceptional.

A family voyage across the world

In August 1991, Nina and Tony set sail from England with their four children, aged six to twelve. Their goal? To traverse oceans, explore the world, and eventually arrive in New Zealand. Over 16 months, they charted a course that took them through some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth.

The Kiff family standing on board Wetherley soon after purchase.

Leaving Fareham, Hampshire, in August 1991, they joined the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean. By late March 1992, they transited the Panama Canal, marking the start of their longest and most challenging passage: from Panama to the Marquesas Islands—a rugged and isolated paradise where they lingered to immerse themselves in the local culture⏤more than 4,000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean.

In the early 1990s, navigation technology was in its infancy. While early GPS systems existed, the Kiffs relied heavily on paper charts—a detail that exemplifies their old-school approach to exploration. Their charts, often spread across the top bunk, allowed them to visualise entire passage legs at a glance, fostering a connection to the journey that modern digital charts can’t replicate.

Tony pouring over the marine paper charts. Paper charts were imperative; and still are today.

From Panama to the Marquesas

This leg of the journey, from Panama to the Marquesas islands, was both daunting and exhilarating. Nina recalls, “If anyone had told me before leaving Panama that it would be a six-week passage, my heart would have sunk. The prospect of such a long time at sea with four children—Sarah (13), Richard (11), Rebecca (10), and Tom (6)—would have seemed overwhelming.”

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The family meticulously prepared for the journey, stocking Wetherley with essentials: give-or-take 82kg of flour, 11kg of rice, tins of vegetables, 23kg of dried milk, sacks of oranges, grapefruit, potatoes, onions, and more. They even scrubbed and checked all provisions to avoid bringing cockroaches aboard.

Once out of sight of land, life settled into a steady rhythm. Nights were divided into four watch shifts, with Sarah and Richard taking turns on the early and late watches, while Nina and Tony managed the middle shifts. Hot chocolate and Streusel bars (this is a gooey muesli bar which they made on the passage) sweetened the children’s duties, and personal stereos provided a soundtrack to their quiet hours under the stars.

Wetherley is home on the water. The children learned to navigate and take watch.

Schooling continued on board, with lessons in math, English, geography, and science. The Pacific became their classroom: the children dissected fish, studied sea creatures, and documented their findings in drawings and journals.

Wetherley out of the water; being readied for its long voyage.

The journey wasn’t without its trials. Several nights, the family took down the sails, put on the anchor light, and drifted as the wind abandoned them. Limited to 100 gallons (455 litres) of diesel, they reserved fuel for charging batteries and running the desalinator.

Despite these challenges, there were moments of sheer joy. Rain showers turned into impromptu games, with the children using straws to blow water at each other while dressed in oilskins. The yacht’s sail doubled as a rain catcher, filling pots and pans with fresh water.

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When it rained, out came the water games. So much fun!!!

The family celebrated birthdays and milestones along the way. Although they crossed the Equator at night, Rebecca humorously noted, “I was the first one to cross the Equator because I stayed in bed and was further forward.”

After 41 days at sea, the rugged beauty of the Marquesas Islands came into view. The Kiffs hove-to for the night, waiting for daylight to enter the harbour at Hiva Oa. Nina described the arrival as bittersweet: “The Marquesas are wild, rugged, sparsely populated, and have few lights. Our last night at sea was the longest and most uncomfortable of the trip, but stepping ashore the next morning made it all worthwhile.”

The Marquesas provided an opportunity to explore and learn. “The Marquesas are wild, rugged, sparsely populated.”

Finding home in New Zealand

From the Marquesas, the family sailed to Tonga and then to New Zealand, arriving in Opua in November 1992. They fell in love with the Kiwi lifestyle and decided to stay. Tony found a love of cabinetmaking and together, with Nina, he started their own kitchen and cabinet-making business in Opua. Nina became deeply involved in the local sailing community, eventually serving as Port Officer for the Ocean Cruising Club in Opua, which she has done for over 20 years. Nina’s dedication earned her the OCC’s Port Officer Service Award in 2016, recognising her tireless efforts to support visiting sailors. 

In the early 2022 Nina and Tony were both recognised at the Yachting New Zealand Excellence Awards for their tireless efforts as Sailing Week committee members and volunteers.

In the early 2022 both Nina and Tony were recognised at the Yachting New Zealand Excellence Awards for their tireless efforts as Sailing Week committee members and volunteers.

Visionaries and pioneers

What sets Nina and Tony apart isn’t just their adventurous spirit—it’s their ability to dream big while staying grounded in the practicalities of making those dreams a reality. As they settled in New Zealand, they became integral to the local sailing scene, fostering a sense of community that resonates with sailors from around the world.

Their story also speaks to the enduring appeal of sailing before the age of pervasive technology. By navigating with paper charts and living without constant digital connection, they exemplified a timeless, purposeful way of life. Their journey is a reminder of the joy found in slowing down, embracing challenges, and connecting deeply with the world around us.

Inspiring the next generation

Nina and Tony Kiff are more than sailors—they are pioneers, community builders, and visionaries who have left an indelible mark on New Zealand’s sailing culture. Their journey from England to Opua, their contributions to the sailing community, and their enduring sense of adventure remind us all of the magic that comes from following your dreams.

For those who aspire to explore the seas, embrace challenges, or simply live with purpose, the Kiffs’ story is a beacon. It’s a call to action: take the leap, set sail, and discover the world waiting beyond the horizon.

© Will Calver – Ocean Photography http-::www.oceanphotography.co.nz:

Revisit Bay Watch

Read Boating New Zealand’s 2019 article, Bay Watch, which tells the story of how Wetherley⏤the Kiff’s classic Nicholson 45⏤cruised through the regatta with the Kiff family crew at the helm.

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Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

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