Imagine challenging the world – not in a sprint, but in the longest, most daring marathon of all: circumnavigating the globe by sailboat, non-stop, without assistance, and faster than anyone ever has before. That’s the Trophée Jules Verne, a race inspired by the spirit of adventure in Jules Verne’s classic novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’.

The Trophée Jules Verne isn’t a traditional race – it’s a challenge. Competitors choose their own departure window, set off from a defined line in the English Channel between the Créac’h Lighthouse (off Ushant) and Lizard Point (Cornwall), and attempt to sail around the world as fast as possible. The course takes them eastward, leaving the Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn to port, before returning to the finish where they started.

This race is about pure speed and endurance, pushing both sailors and boats to their limits. It’s open to virtually any sailboat and crew size, provided the vessel can make it around the world without outside assistance.

A huge shout out goes to our now famous Opua Cruising Club member Rebeca Gmuer-Hornell who is now the fastest Kiwi to sail around the world!

This was accomplished on a 100ft trimaran as part of an 8 female crew competing in the Jules Verne Trophy. The crew went non-stop around the world in 57 days… an absolutely awesome achievement!

Well done Becs, we’re so proud of you and can’t wait for you to come home and tell us all about it!

While the weather hasn’t been playing along lately, this little moment from the water brought plenty of smiles.

Last Friday week, when Nautilas hoisted her mainsail, two tiny sparrows tumbled out from the folds – clearly not part of the plan!
With nowhere else to go, they were handed over to Opua Cruising Club member Claire Ganantchian to be cared for, and quickly became the smallest (and loudest) crew members aboard.

As the chicks needed feeding every hour, Claire had no choice but to bring them along to the Russell Tall Ship Race, proving that seamanship sometimes extends well beyond ropes and sails. The crew on Merlin even took turns caring for them, showing that teamwork at sea comes in many forms, sometimes with feathers involved.

We thought we would share this with you all as a lovely reminder that life afloat often brings the most unexpected moments, and that our sailing community is always ready to step in and help, no matter how small the crew member.

The Kids Fishing Competition at Opua Wharf on Sunday 28th December was a fantastic day out, with an amazing turnout and plenty of excitement along the wharf. Open to children aged 12 years and under, the event saw 79 kids registered on the day, making it a hugely popular summer highlight for local families.

A total of 85 fish were caught and weighed in, including 35 snapper, 7 kahawai, 31 bait fish, and 10 entries for the “craziest catch”, keeping both kids and spectators entertained throughout the day.

A huge thank you goes to our generous sponsors for the amazing prizes: Johnson Brothers, Burns Co, Coastal Marine and Civil, South Pacific Boat Sales, Far North District Council, Opua General Store, Bad Habits, ITM Haruru, Bay of Islands Auto & Marine, Cleagh Electrical, 4 Square Paihia, Russell Contracting, and The Galley at Opua Cruising Club. Your support helped make the day truly special for the kids.

Special thanks also to Peini and Barry for opening the kitchen early, Nicole for opening the bar early, and to our brilliant helpers on the day — Andy, John, Ian, Mike, Jen, and Paulette. Without your time and effort, the event simply wouldn’t have happened or run so smoothly.

It was a fun, relaxed day celebrating kids, fishing, and community spirit — one we’re sure will be remembered by many young anglers.

In order to set up the venue infrastructure for Bay of Islands Sailing Week, the Opua Cruising Club car park will be closed from 6pm on Thursday the 15th January until Saturday the 24th January.

The Bay of Islands Sailing Week team and Opua Cruising Club apologise for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please email admin@boisailingweek.org.nz

Are you keen to be part of the iconic Bay of Islands Sailing Week?

The team are looking for a few legends to help out both onshore and on the water. For more information, please email admin@boisailingweek.org.nz

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.

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