This is the second of a series of five articles telling the story of the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. Read the first article in this series, Nina and Tony Kiff: The Visionaries Behind Bay of Islands Sailing Week.
Inspired by Cowes Week
Nina and Tony Kiff were no strangers to world-class sailing. Back in England, they had participated in the renowned Cowes Week Regatta, one of the longest-running and largest regattas in the world. Held annually since 1826 on the tricky tidal waters of the Solent, Cowes Week attracts over 500 boats and 2,500 competitors, from weekend sailors to Olympic professionals.
The Kiffs saw firsthand the excitement, camaraderie, and prestige of such an event. When they relocated to New Zealand, they couldn’t help but wonder why the stunning Bay of Islands, with its sheltered waters and vibrant sailing community, didn’t host a premier regatta of its own.
Turning a vision into reality
In 2002, Tony and Nina began sharing their ideas with others. They envisioned a regatta that would attract keelboats, trailer yachts, and sports boats while showcasing the Bay of Islands as a magnificent destination for sailors and holiday makers alike.
However, transforming this vision into reality proved daunting. With no funding, organisational structure, or clear starting point, they sought advice from Tanya McInnes, an experienced event manager. Tanya guided them through the process, from building a support network to applying for grants.
The Kiffs reached out to the four local yacht clubs—Opua, Kerikeri, Russell, and Bay of Islands—for support. Despite their enthusiasm, the clubs could only contribute $500 between them. Though modest, this contribution signified a commitment to the event’s success. Tony and Nina hoped for additional funding from other sources but heard nothing in the lead-up to the regatta.
The makeshift headquarters
As the regatta planning progressed, a new challenge arose—where to base their operations. With no funds to hire a formal venue, the committee improvised by setting up a caravan and an old blue-and-white striped tent on-site at Opua Wharf.
The caravan became their makeshift headquarters, a hub for frantic last-minute coordination, and a place for the exhausted organisers to regroup. The tent, on the other hand, served as a gathering point for competitors and spectators alike. Amid the excitement, the tent buzzed with camaraderie, laughter, and the occasional celebratory drink—an atmosphere that captured the essence of the sailing community.
Against all odds
Given the lack of financial backing, every dollar counted. Nina later recalled the tension leading up to the event: “We applied for a grant, but right up to the date of the regatta, we still hadn’t received anything, so we really didn’t know if it was going to go ahead or not.”
By early 2003, the team faced a critical decision. With just the entry fees and the $500 from the yacht clubs, they had no guarantees of financial security. But with 37 boats already registered, the committee refused to let the dream slip away.
Under the leadership of Chairman Tony Kiff, Treasurer Nina Kiff, and a dedicated committee—including Lorraine Kite, Paul Karl, David Hope-Lewis, Lawrence Scott, and Ray Haslar—they pressed forward. Their determination ensured the inaugural Bay of Islands Sailing Week went ahead, absolute proof of their belief in the event’s potential.
A timely opportunity
The timing of the first regatta, held between the 2002–2003 Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup held in the Hauraki Gulf just off the coast of Auckland, couldn’t have been better. Sailing fever was at its peak in New Zealand, and the Bay of Islands Sailing Week offered another platform to celebrate the sport.
The Louis Vuitton Cup showcased international talent and drew global attention to New Zealand’s vibrant sailing scene. It was the perfect backdrop for the Bay of Islands Regatta, adding momentum to the fledgling event.
A lasting legacy
What began with uncertainty and financial constraints has grown into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sailing events. The Bay of Islands Sailing Week now attracts competitors and spectators from around the world, cementing its place as a must-attend regatta.
The makeshift caravan and blue-and-white tent, followed by an ex-army tent, of the first few years on the Opua Wharf may be a far cry from today’s professional setup, but they remain evidence of the ingenuity and determination of the original organisers. For aspiring sailors and event organisers, it’s a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and resourcefulness can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Today, the Bay of Islands Sailing Week is more than just a regatta; it’s a celebration of the spirit of sailing and the community that makes it possible. From its humble beginnings, it has become a beacon of inspiration, shining brightly in New Zealand’s sailing history.
