A tropical breeze, sunny skies, ready to race in Bay of Islands

9:44 PM Mon 18 Jan 2010 GMT

'Fleet start at Bay of Islands Raceweek 2009' Geoff Davies

Bay of Islands Sailing Week registration 4-6pm today, Tuesday 19 January. Eighty three boats entered with late-entries joining the fleet this evening. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from January 20, the spectacle of eight five competing yachts in the bay will be great shore-side entertainment - best viewing from Waitangi Golf Course and top of Tapeka Point Russell .

Part of the glorious Bay of Islands -

Weather prediction is 15 knot winds with the only 'nasty' hopefully blowing through Wednesday evening while crews are enjoying 'social-time' in the North Sails Tent . Thursday Beach Party looks to be perfect weather, let's hope 'mother-nature' stays on board for a great day of racing, beach activities and just plain fun.

This year, Australian entries open the door to Trans-Tasman rivalry. Limit, (a 63 foot Reichel Pugh design) as the first registered Australian yacht will battle in our local A Division; in particular with Jim Farmer's new Georgia (52 foot Botin & Carleek 52). But the Bay Regatta caters for all, offering a well balanced program in each of the nine divisions including Cruising Divisions (Passage), more popular with local and visiting boats, offering scenic courses with islands as markers. There will be close racing for all, from the big-boys and weekend-warriors through to racer-cruisers here to enjoy 'islands as markers' - no windward-leewards - no spinnakers.

Watch this space for daily updates on Bay Regatta Racing.

by Lesley Haslar