Sailing in the Bay of Islands

Sailing is the art of moving or travelling over water by use of sails.  The Bay of Islands is favoured as a sailing destination as it’s protected by multiple islands offering good anchorage, has an exceptional climate, is well set up for marine activities, and completely stunning.

The bay of islands is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience sailing and with the multiple islands and hidden coves, all sailors who come here from Captain Cook to present day tourists, can see why.

 Vanessa McKay from day sailing charter company, Carino Wildlife Cruises, says sailing in the Bay is quite simply good for the soul.

For us it is all about the smiles when we turn the engines off and the wind catches the sail.  We can almost see our guests take a deep breath and relax into the motion. For us, sailing is good for the soul and the planet.”

 Best sailing in the Bay of Islands?

The sailing options in the Bay of Islands are numerous, from sailing catamarans to mono hulls, day sailing and cruises to overnight, skippered or sail yourself plus learn to sail options.

See our full list of companies specialising in sailing here.

Lets go though you options in more details

Sailing with a skipper

When you do an introductory Google search, there are so many sailing options in the area it may seem overwhelming.

We’ve got some recommendations below from locals and loads of reviews and interviews but do your own research as well.

Consider the following:

  • Quality and maintenance of the vessel, including safety equipment
  • Experience of the skipper is key!
  • Most charters will supply lunch (ask what’s on the menu)
  • Check if they will cater to your requirements – do you want to learn as you go? Are you expected to ‘pull your weight’, or just lie back and enjoy the ride? Will they stop off on the Island you want to visit? 

Popular options:

Popular overnight sailing charters

 

Learn to sail in the Bay of Islands

As a beginner you can choose from an intensive, certified course, or just join a day tour– the choice is yours.

If you’re after an introductory day or two, the Bay of Island has a few of options.

Official certifications

The Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail syllabus is one of NZ’s most trusted sailing courses, and is usually carried out through Yacht clubs.

Or you can do the internationally renowned RYA (Royal Yachting Association) syllabus. 

Bay of Islands Yacht Club – Learn to sails to serious regattas

Great Escapes –  accredited for YNZ learn to sail courses.

Bay Sail NZ,- accredited to deliver RYA courses

Sail Inc – learn to sail for teenagers

Once you know the basics, it is then easy to progress to club level racing or cruising. Usually, all the equipment you need is provided by the club or sailing schools.

Yacht Clubs

 

Bareboat hire (without skipper)

To charter a yacht bareboat you will need to prove well-rounded sailing experience and familiarity with sailboats and / or satisfactory completion of recognised boating courses. Practical knowledge and experience in piloting and anchoring procedures are essential.

Top Options:

  • Fairwind – Fleet of yachts for charter from 28-feet to 45-feet
  • Great Escape – Fleet includes Davidson 20, Noelex 25, and a Noelex 30 (change link to https://staging2.visitboi.demohub.site/listing/spring-sailing)
  • Bay Charters – “Sensation” is a spacious and well set up Farr 1020, 34ft yacht.

Note, bareboat charters will only be licensed for a certain geographical area and companies should assist you with insurance requirements.

Bay of Islands Sailing Week (January) 

Bay of Islands Sailing Week is the biggest regatta of its kind in New Zealand, and one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier yachting events, attracting entries from around New Zealand and overseas.

Participants, locals and spectators love the event for its family-friendly, holiday feel, as much as for the competitive side of things. So even if you’re not on a boat you’ll love the party atmosphere in the area.

Families often sail together, and a whole spectrum of boats and people converge to enjoy three days of scenic and competitive racing.

Divisions are up to the organisers and dependant on the mix of vessels who enter, but as a general guide there are three divisions; larger and faster boats, medium sized boats, then the smaller and/or slower boats. Makes sense!

This year’s event has come and gone, but we suggest planning ahead for next summer

Find out more

 Foil Bay of Islands (February

Foil Bay of Islands is the biggest foiling event in the southern hemisphere. Run by the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, it really puts a great view out on the waters of the inner bay. Open to all foiling classes, come along for some great atmosphere.

Find out more 

 

Climate 

The Bay of Islands experiences a temperate climate with year-round temperatures ranging from 16 – 20°C during winter and from 20 – 28°C in the summer.

The nights can be much cooler so you’ll need appropriate clothing for all weather conditions like shorts and t-shirts during the day and thermals and fleeces at night.

A good wet weather jacket is needed, and if you’re staying overnight out on the water, wet weather pants and sea boots are advisable.

Yet something rather miraculous has happened recently where he’s pushed the boat out, so to speak. His 11-metre yacht, which has been the subject of endless weekend sanding and gluing for over 20 years, will be ready to launch next summer.

So to help him maintain this newfound work ethic, and to show genuine interest (Dad and I haven’t actually been out on the water together since I was five!), I’ve made it my mission to impress with some sailing experience. And what better place to start than the Bay of Islands – where Dad plans to launch the boat next summer!

Why sail in the Bay Of Islands?

The Bay of Islands is favoured as a sailing destination as it’s protected by multiple islands offering good anchorage, has an exceptional climate, is well set up for marine activities, and of course, is downright beautiful.

See our full list of companies specialising in sailing here.

 

Sailing Bay of Islands
Sailing Bay of Islands

Weather Conditions 

The Bay of Islands is generally very mild, adding to its appeal. When you’re out on the water however, the weather conditions can change – fast. You should always check forecasts before you go out, and throughout the day while you’re out on the water.

Maritime radio, Coastguard on VHF radio and Metservice are the best places to find up to date weather info.

Radio frequencies are different depending on where you are located – the Maritime NZ website has the details.

At the first sight of deteriorating conditions, head for shelter.

Best spots to drop anchor

There are over 140 Islands to catch the breeze in and around, but at some point you’ll want to drop anchor in a sheltered spot and eat, swim, or drop a line.

Nathalie from Vigilant Yacht Charters,(change link to https://staging2.visitboi.demohub.site/listing/vigilant-yacht-charters)  says it’s too difficult to pick a top spot as there are so many beautiful options. Plus, “It depends on the day, the wind and the sea conditions” she says.

The Bay of Islands Marina team has curated a great guide of top spots to anchor, along with photos and maps:

Top 25 places to anchor

Sailing, Bay of Islands
Sailing, Bay of Islands

Private sailing vessels – extra info

Cruising Guides

Lots of sailors seem to prefer hard copies of maps and navigation guides etc. This specialist bookshop in Auckland has a great selection of well-reviewed publications that can be ordered online

 

Safety Regulations

Whether you’re aboard a sail or powerboat, you must know the rules, have the right equipment, and aim to be an all-round responsible skipper.

Most boating accidents occur really suddenly with no warning, so you must be prepared for the worst – always.

Consider the following:

Lifejackets – ALWAYS WEAR ONE – yes, we have used capitals to shout.

There will be no time to grab a lifejacket unless it is close at hand in an emergency, and it’s extremely difficult to put on a lifejacket once you’re in the water.

It’s essential that you also consider the fit of a lifejacket, and know that children have specific requirements. The right fit can be the difference between life and death on the water.

So please take the time to read the Maritime NZ recommendations around lifejackets.

Communications – Does the boat have VHF radio, Beacons, Flares and do you have a fully charged cell phone? Different types of equipment work in different areas of the coast, so you will need access to all of these things. And consider what will work when it’s wet.

Please take the time to read the Maritime NZ recommendations around communications equipment.

Weather – Always check weather conditions before you leave and while on the water. See Climate and Water conditions above.

Alcohol – Safe boating and alcohol don’t mix. Things can change quickly on the water. All on board need to stay alert and be aware – so always think twice before pouring another glass of Rose. If you’re the skipper, you probably shouldn’t drink at all. You can be prosecuted for operating a boat in a manner that causes unnecessary danger, under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act.

Bay of Island Bylaws

Please have a look at regional rules, especially those about launching your boat in the far north:

Bay of Islands Bylaws 

Moorings 

The Northland Regional Council has established minimum mooring/vessel restrictions:

  • 1 tonne block is suitable for vessels up to 7m (23ft)
  • 2 tonne block is suitable for vessels between 7m and 12m (40ft)
  • 4 tonne block is suitable for vessels between 12m and 18m (60ft)
  • There are various “blocks/anchor” weights in use, also, other mooring components are important for the effectiveness of moorings.

Moorings for rent – listings:

You can also pay a company to assist with finding you a mooring in the area. Try Moorings Northland.

Sewage Regulations 

It may seem harmless to discharge your waste at the end of a long day on the water, because hey, it’s a tiny amount in the scheme of things. But although effluent from one boat may be minor, the cumulative effects of the whole maritime sector are significant, so please make sure to consider the greater good and stick to the rules.

The Resource Management (Marine Pollution) Regulations 1998 outlines treatment standards that specify where treated and untreated sewage can be discharged, as well as other nasties like oil, noxious liquid substances and garbage.

This is the area from mean high water springs out to the 12 nautical miles, which is the outer limit of the New Zealand territorial sea.

Main points to note are:

  • You must be more than 500 metres from the shore, more than 500 metres from a marine farm and in waters deeper than 5 metres before you can discharge untreated sewage from your ship.
  • Sewage includes drainage from any form of toilet, spaces containing living animals and waste water mixed with this type of drainage.
  • You can discharge treated sewage (passed through your on-board treatment system) anywhere in the coastal marine area except within 100 metres of a marine farm. Note: when sampled five times or more over 24 hours, it must contain less than 250 faecal coliforms per 100 millilitres with suspended solids less than 5 milligrams per litre.

Visit the Maritime NZ website for more details and to download the full Regulations.

Pump-Out Stations

The two marinas, Kerikeri Cruising Club Marina and Bay of Islands Marina have pump out stations. Fees apply – see their websites for more:

Kerikeri Cruising Club Marina
Contact: 09 407 9434

Bay Of Islands Marina Opua
Contact: 09 402 7124

International Cruisers – Boat Clearance & Immigration 

You can book a berth at the local marinas listed above (under “moorings”). Booking ahead, especially in summer.

NZ’s main port of entry for small craft is the Bay of Islands Marina, clearing more than 430 vessels per year. The marina has an easy-to-access quarantine dock at the northern end of its outer breakwater.

Customs, immigration and visas:  

Visit New Zealand Customs Service website.

New Zealand has a six-step quarantine and biosecurity clearance procedure for yachts and other recreational vessels arriving from international waters.

  

Bonne navigation and fair winds!

A final thought …

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 

-Mark Twain

 

Bay of Islands, Sailing
Bay of Islands, Sailing