Coastal Classic bound? Sort your Bay of Islands mooring now
The PIC Coastal Classic starts on Friday 23 October, and Bay of Islands Sailing Week follows in January. If either has you heading north this summer, now’s the time to book your mooring.
For a lot of Kiwi sailors, Labour Weekend is when the season really starts. The fleet leaves Auckland on the Friday for the 119 nautical mile run to Russell, and most crews arrive ready to celebrate. Some turn for home a day or two later. Others stay on to cruise the Bay, or leave the boat up north and come back for more over summer.
After the finish line
The Bay rewards anyone who sticks around, with sheltered bays and anchorages to explore. Ōpua makes a practical base, with marine services and chandlery close at hand.
BookABuoy has moorings available in Ōpua, so you can lock in somewhere to leave the boat before you sail. Arrive with a place already booked and the days after the race are yours.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week, 24 to 28 January
Bay of Islands Sailing Week returns in 2027, bringing racing yachts, multihulls and sports boats back to the Bay. Whatever your role, competing, crewing or just there for the atmosphere, it’s a good reason to spend some of January in Northland.
For 2027, shore operations move to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club in Ōpua. That puts an Ōpua mooring right on the regatta’s doorstep.
Visiting boats will be competing for space as well as silverware. Regatta prep is busy enough without hunting for a mooring the week before, so book early.
How it works
- Browse the Ōpua listings on BookABuoy.
- Check each mooring’s vessel requirements against your boat.
- Book the one that fits.
BookABuoy is also adding more locations around Northland, opening up smaller coastal communities beyond the usual stops.
Heading north for the Coastal Classic, Sailing Week or a summer cruise? Find and book your Ōpua mooring on BookABuoy.