The Racing
Five races on general handicap: windward–leeward courses on laid marks and passage races around the islands. Divisions are set by boat speed and type.
New for 2027 · from the organisers of the Coastal Classic
Summer racing at Kawau
29 – 31 January 2027 · Kawau Island
Three days of racing and island rallying over Auckland Anniversary weekend, with a live band and prizegiving at the Kawau Boating Club every night.
Early entry$150until 16 December
Standard entry$195until 18 January
Bay of Islands Sailing Week entrants$100For boats already entered in BOISW
Fleet limit100 boatsaccepted in order of payment
Two ways to sail it
The Rally
A laid-back passage sail around the islands each day, run under the collision regulations rather than the racing rules. Prizes for best dressed, biggest fish and the poker run.
Key dates
- Wednesday, 16 December 2026Early entry fee ends
- Monday, 18 January 2027, 8:00pmEntries close
- Monday, 25 January 2027Sailing instructions published
- Friday, 29 January 2027, 3:55pmFirst warning signal
The weekend
| Day | Racing | Rally |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 29 Jan | 1 race · warning 3:55pm | Assemble 3pm |
| Saturday 30 Jan | 2 races · warning 9:55am | Assemble 9am |
| Sunday 31 Jan | 2 races · warning 9:55am, none after 3pm | Assemble 9am |
Refreshments, a live band and daily prizegiving at the Kawau Boating Club after sailing.
How to enter
- Check you're eligible
Owner or skipper must be a financial member of a YNZ-affiliated club, or your national authority’s equivalent.
- Get the boat ready
Category 5 for keelboats and multihulls, VHF with a watch on Ch 77, and third-party insurance of at least $5 million.
- Enter and pay online
Complete the entry form and pay the fee. You'll be added to the event WhatsApp group automatically.
Entries close Monday, 18 January 2027, 8:00pm.
Venue & moorings
Racing and rally courses run from Bon Accord Harbour out through Kawau Bay and the channels around Beehive, Challenger, Motuketekete and Moturekareka islands. Race HQ and the evening action are at the Kawau Boating Club in Bon Accord Harbour.
- Kawau Boating ClubFood, bar and fuel →
- Book a Buoy Buoy →
