OPUA CRUISING CLUB

The friendliest club in the South Pacific

New Year’s Cruise & BBQ

On New Year’s Day, Kotahi Rua (Les Alderton and his two granddaughters) and Libertee (Vera and Ernesto) welcomed the new year anchored in the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands. It was a relaxed and enjoyable start to the celebrations, surrounded by calm seas and good company.

The following day, both vessels sailed north to Whangamumu Harbour, a stunning and historic location. There they were joined by After You II (Merry and myself), and together we enjoyed a very pleasant beach BBQ at the site of the old whaling station. The setting, steeped in history and natural beauty, made for a memorable afternoon of shared food, conversation, and camaraderie.

On Saturday morning, Kotahi Rua set off to return to the Bay of Islands, while After You II continued south to Whangaruru. Later that day, The Limit (Tom and Colleen) arrived in Whangamumu, adding to the gathering of club members enjoying the summer cruising season.

The following day saw Libertee return home, while After You II sailed back to Whangamumu to rejoin The Limit. That evening we spent another pleasant night together, enjoying good company, relaxed conversation, and the peaceful surroundings of the harbour.

The next day, all remaining boats made their way home, bringing to a close a thoroughly enjoyable New Year’s cruise.

2026-01-15T13:50:45+13:004 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Bay of Islands Sailing Week

Bay of Islands Sailing Week is on from 19–23 January 2026, delivering four action-packed days of racing in the stunning Bay of Islands.

As one of New Zealand’s premier keelboat regattas, the event brings together top crews, competitive racing, and an unbeatable on-shore atmosphere, all set against one of the country’s most iconic sailing destinations.

Entries are open, so get your team registered by clicking here and be part of the summer’s ultimate sailing event. Find out everything you need to know and check out all the action on our website: boisailingweek.org.nz

2026-01-07T19:54:39+13:001 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Opua General Store – Sponsor of the Month

Opua Cruising Club are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our club’s Sponsor of the Month for January, The Opua General Store.

Nestled on the waterfront at Opua, this beloved local hub embodies the spirit of community, welcoming cruisers, locals, visitors, and club members alike with friendly service, quality provisions, and that classic Kiwi general store charm.

Whether you’re stocking up for your boat, grabbing a coffee on the go, or picking up fresh sandwiches and hot snacks for a day out on the water Opua General Store has you covered. People praise the store’s great coffee, well-stocked shelves, and friendly staff, and its convenient location makes it a favourite stop for everyone exploring the waterfront and marina area.

From takeaway lunches and sweet treats to everyday essentials and ice-creams, it’s the go-to spot in Opua, perfect for families, cruisers, bikers on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and anyone enjoying the stunning Bay of Islands over summer.

Stop by and say hello to the team behind the counter and don’t forget to support the local businesses that help make our club and community thrive!

The Opua General Store
1 Beechey Street, Opua
Ph: +64 (0)9 402 7575
Em: admin@opuastore.co.nz

Open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 7pm

2026-01-15T13:50:57+13:001 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Commodores Report – Dec’ 2025

Well, a busy month at the club and last week really topped it off. Friday had 30 for lunch from Kerikeri Retirement Village, on the Saturday a great visit from Tumeke Riders Club with around 100  motorbike riders calling into the club for an afternoon beer. This was followed by an awesome ‘non-Commodores party’ with music and entertainment by Mike Preece that got everyone dancing. Sunday we hosted the Northland National  Party Xmas luncheon with 60 guests having a superb meal from Peini in The Galley.

Many, many thanks to those who helped, especially Andy as vice Commodore, who, I am told, happily put his credit card on the bar just as I would have. There was a lot going on, unfortunately, I missed all of it as I am down in SubAntarctic islands with Finn Topzend, checking out the Penguins and Sea Lions.

It’s a windy, wild part of the world, 350 miles south of Stewart Island. When the trees only grow 6 feet high and are all bent one way, it’s a sign of something !!!

We are dropping off DOC workers at The Auckland Islands, then head to Campbell Islands tomorrow to drop off the last lot, then hopefully back to Invercargill for Xmas.

Paulette’s kids’ fishing competition on 28th December is the next big event, we have booked the Opua wharf and have lots of prizes, but again need lots of helpers. Please call Sheila in the office if you can help out.

Remember to please get your entry into Bay of Islands Sailing week so we can plan for the numbers. Xmas wishes to everyone and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Cheers
Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Southern Royal Albatross and New Zealand Fur Seals at the Auckland Islands

Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Terry grew up in Wellington, learning to sail in extreme conditions and spending his formative years in the Sea Scouts rowing around on pitch black nights playing Smugglers and sinking the enemy. He has never lost his love of just “playing around in boats”.

He moved to the Bay of Islands in his twenties and purchased the classic gaff cutter Aorere. It was also the start of many years cruising the Bay of Islands, the Northland coast and offshore voyages to the Pacific.

In 1990, he started Great Escape Yacht Charters and Sailing School to provide affordable sailing options in the Bay. Over the years, he operated a fleet of 14 yachts, passing on his enthusiasm and love of sailing to Kiwis and international visitors alike.

Now retired, Terry is currently a relief skipper with the R Tucker Thompson, and we are delighted to have him as the Club’s Commodore this year.

2026-01-15T13:51:45+13:0014 December 2025|General|
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Bay Cabs – December’s Sponsor of the Month

 

Opua Cruising Club are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our club’s Sponsor of the Month, Bay Cabs.

For the last 18 months, Bay Cabs has been a trusted transport provider in the Bay of Islands, built on a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and genuine local care. What began as a small, community-focused taxi service in the mid-2024 has grown into a well-respected operation supporting both the people who call this region home and the many who arrive by sea to experience its beauty.

Bay Cabs has always taken pride in looking after those who make Opua such a vibrant boating hub. Visiting yachts—whether on a coastal hop, a Pacific crossing, or a seasonal stopover—can rely on Bay Cabs for efficient crew transfers, provisioning runs, and stress-free transport into Paihia, Kerikeri, or wherever the next errand leads. Skippers often remark on the convenience: no waiting around, no complicated arrangements, just dependable service from drivers who understand the ebb and flow of marina life.

Locals know Bay Cabs for the same reasons. Friendly drivers, clean vehicles, and a focus on safety and punctuality make the service a natural choice for everyday travel, medical appointments, shopping trips, or a night out without the worry of driving home. The team’s commitment to customer care is simple: every passenger should feel welcome, comfortable, and looked after—whether they live here full-time or are just passing through.

As Opua continues to grow as a gateway to the Bay of Islands, Bay Cabs remains dedicated to keeping the community moving. Whether you need a quick pickup from the marina, reliable late-night transport, or local knowledge only a seasoned driver can provide, Bay Cabs is ready to help.

Bay Cabs
Ph: +64 21 283 8494
Em: info@baycabs.co.nz
baycabs.co.nz

2025-12-01T23:44:53+13:001 December 2025|General, News, Social|
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Commodores Report – November 2025

It’s great to see our racing fleet steadily growing, with several new boats joining in and bringing fantastic enthusiasm to the club. A big thank you to Andy and the Sailing Committee for their work streamlining the handicap system; the racing now runs more smoothly than ever.

This year we’ll be sharing the calendar with a new three-day regatta at Kawau Island, organised by Ponsonby Yacht Club, will overlap the final day of Bay Week. While this may influence numbers, it’s still too early to know the impact. Our Notices of Race have recently been released, and we’re looking forward to registrations building over the coming weeks.

Youth Sailing
Our relationship with the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, encouraging the older kids to come sail at Opua, is proving very successful. Last Friday, a group of young sailors and their parents enjoyed an evening aboard Vixen and they are all keen to get involved with our Pied Piper Youth Sailing Programme.

The Pied Piper is currently being painted at Waitangi in preparation for launching. Encouraging younger sailors and families has long been a priority for the club, and this initiative is shaping up to be a promising pathway forward.

Trans-Tasman Challenge Race
Momentum continues to grow with 21 entries already confirmed. We’ll soon be setting up a notice board in the club with entry updates and information to keep members and visitors informed and engaged.

The Galley Bistro
The Galley’s new menu is receiving great feedback; the new relaxed snack-style options alongside the top-end selection are going well. A new Race Night menu has also been introduced, providing simple, tasty choices for those enjoying or competing in Wednesday and Friday night racing.

Click here to see the new menu and if you haven’t tried it yet, come down and enjoy a delicious meal!

Club Promotion
Our new PR team has been doing an excellent job spreading the word about club events. We’ve seen some wonderfully busy evenings recently, no doubt thanks to increased visibility on social media.

We now have promotional rack cards ready for distribution across local accommodation providers and businesses. This should help to raise awareness of everything the club offers for both visitors and locals.

Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Terry grew up in Wellington, learning to sail in extreme conditions and spending his formative years in the Sea Scouts rowing around on pitch black nights playing Smugglers and sinking the enemy. He has never lost his love of just “playing around in boats”.

He moved to the Bay of Islands in his twenties and purchased the classic gaff cutter Aorere. It was also the start of many years cruising the Bay of Islands, the Northland coast and offshore voyages to the Pacific.

In 1990, he started Great Escape Yacht Charters and Sailing School to provide affordable sailing options in the Bay. Over the years, he operated a fleet of 14 yachts, passing on his enthusiasm and love of sailing to Kiwis and international visitors alike.

Now retired, Terry is currently a relief skipper with the R Tucker Thompson, and we are delighted to have him as the Club’s Commodore this year.

2025-11-25T05:21:48+13:0025 November 2025|General|
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Total Yacht Care – November’s Sponsor of the Month

Opua Cruising Club are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our club’s Sponsor of the Month, Total Yacht Care.

Established in 2012 by seasoned skipper Mike Levings, Total Yacht Care has become one of the Bay of Islands’ most trusted names in vessel maintenance. Based in Opua, the team includes a qualified boatbuilder and provides painting, polishing, cleaning, detailing, and caretaking services. Their work is backed by years of on-the-water experience and a practical understanding of what boats need to stay in top condition and ready to go when owners return.

Their mobile service allows them to reach boats throughout the Bay, whether in the main marina or anchored in quieter spots, making them a reliable choice for OPA Cruising Club members. Mike is also known for offering practical, honest advice that many boat owners have come to rely on when it comes to maintenance decisions and long-term care.

“Mike and his team treat our boat as if it were their own. Their attention to detail and care mean we can relax knowing everything’s been done right”,
says long-time client Helen R.

Total Yacht Care has built its reputation through repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals. Many customers have been with them for years, returning for the same attention to detail and clear communication that defines every project.

As our Sponsor of the Month, Mike and his team continue to support the local boating community and uphold the high standards that make the Bay of Islands such a great place to cruise.

Total Yacht Care
Ph: +64 21 217 6064
Em: enquiries@yachtcare.co.nz
www.yachtcare.co.nz

2025-11-05T22:12:14+13:002 November 2025|General, News, Social|
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