Whangaroa race

B.O.I. Yacht Club/B.O.I. Marine Centre Whangaroa Race

Our 44th annual yacht race from Waitangi to Whangaroa was not held in January this year because of Cyclone Wilma.
However - on Easter Saturday it did happen. Under a cloudy patchwork sky and with a brisk N.E. breeze, a stalwart of 9 yachts began the race.

With colourful encouragement coming from one of the multihulls (before the start line), it was a tacking duel to the Nine Pin.
Once around the Nine Pin, with eased sheets, the conditions were exceptional for this annual coastal yacht race.

Heading into the Whangaroa Harbour, fickle winds hampered an exciting run home.
Ambling over the finish line was ‘Titinui’ - the first boat home, with exciting tales (backed up with video footage) of having reached the speed of 18 knots before reaching the Cavalli Islands.

‘Titan’ followed with a fine gennaker run - with the rest of the fleet following, although well spread out.
It was a pleasure to see the next generation of sailors involved in the race with Chris Smith sailing on ‘Jagged Edge’ and Rebecca Hornell sailing on ‘Titan’.

The atmosphere at the Marlin Hotel was electric - with yet another fabulous meal from Luke’s Cafe, followed by the prizegiving.
This year the 2HP Yamaha sponsored by T.W. Grant Insurance Brokers was won by Ron Cooke on ‘Second Wind’.

Racing Results -
Line Honours - Paul Smith on ‘Titan’
First on Handicap - Hans Smith on ‘Jagged Edge’
Cruising Division - Vicky Houry on ‘Spray’
Multihull Division - Joy Sutton on ‘Titinui’

This race would not be the race it is without the incredible local sponsorship we receive each year.
A HUGE THANKYOU to our sponsors -
Bay of Islands Marine Centre
T.W. Grant Insurance Brokers
Opua Port Supply
A Better Clean Ltd
Northland Spas and Rigging
Luke’s Cafe
Dive H.Q. Paihia
Paper Plus Paihia
35 South Restaurant and Bar
Romeyn Woodcraft
Nev Campbell Resene
Marina Cafe
Darryl’s Dinner Cruise
Paihia Hammer Hardware
Sunderland Marine

In January 2012 the 45th Waitangi to Whangaroa Race will be held in it’s normal time slot in January on Northland Anniversary Weekend.