Bay of Islands Sailing Week - New Committee prepares for the 2026 edition

Angry Dragon and Helter Skelter - Sports boats - Day 3 - Bay of Islands Sailing Week - January 25, 2025 © Jacob Fewtrell Media

One of New Zealand's most iconic yachting events, Bay of Islands Sailing Week, is entering a new chapter, driven by a refreshed committee of dedicated volunteers.

Being volunteer led, the event continues to be a grassroots success story, bringing committee members together with a rich mix of experience and passion to create one of the largest big boat yachting events in the Southern Hemisphere.

As preparations begin for the 2026 edition, the newly appointed committee is already working hard behind the scenes to rework the event while honouring the traditions that have made it so special to the sailing community. This new wave of committee members includes existing Bay of Islands Sailing Week committee members, long-time sailors, club leaders, industry professionals, and community-minded locals.

Introducing the 2026 Committee Introducing the 2026 Committee

Andrew Kearney - Chairperson

Andrew brings a formidable blend of strategic leadership, hands-on race management, and volunteerism to his new role. With a longstanding commitment to New Zealand's sailing scene, he has been involved major international regattas, including the Volvo Ocean Race and the World Sailing Youth Championships. Currently, the club manager of Napier Sailing Club, Andrew is working toward his International Race Officer qualification and has a robust background in horticultural operations management.

Ross Johnston - Deputy Chairperson, On-Water Volunteers & Maintenance With more than three decades of offshore sailing experience, including 11 Sydney to Hobart races, Ross brings deep racing knowledge and strong organisational skills to the committee. A retired PE teacher and sports administrator, he's also a certified sailing coach. Ross has been involved with Bay of Islands Sailing Week for three years and now takes on the Deputy Chair role, serving as a vital link between the event and the many volunteers who help make it happen. His energy and on-the-ground presence in Paihia ensure no detail is overlooked.

Dave West - Treasurer & Race Results Dave's dual expertise in finance and IT makes him a vital figure in the operational success of Bay Week. A Chartered Accountant and computer scientist, Dave has served on the committees of several Auckland sailing clubs for more than 20 years. A seasoned racer himself, he's competed in events around the globe, including the Whitbread Round-the-World Race. Dave is also a National Race Officer and plays a central role in ensuring accurate race results and sound financial stewardship for the event.

Pip Telford - Secretary With 35 years of offshore and inshore racing experience, Pip is a well-rounded sailor with an eye for detail. Having raced in iconic events like the Sydney to Hobart and NZ PIC Coastal Classic, she understands the needs of competitors intimately. A retired office manager with over 30 years in administration, Pip is now in her third year as Bay of Islands Sailing Week Secretary. Her methodical approach and commitment help keep the entire operation running smoothly from planning to post-event debriefs.

Derek Edwards - Opua Cruising Club Representative Derek brings a steady and experienced hand to the committee, representing one of the key clubs involved in Bay of Islands Sailing Week. A long-time sailor and former Commodore of the Opua Cruising Club, he currently serves as its treasurer. Since retiring to Opua 13 years ago, he has been deeply involved in the local sailing scene, racing his Challenge 29 Hot Pursuit for a decade and more recently sailing as a syndicate member aboard the Etchells Quantum. Derek has participated in Bay of Islands Sailing Week as both a competitor and volunteer, and has been on the committee for the past two years. His club insight and practical experience help strengthen the event's community connection.

Terry Dunn - Opua Cruising Club Representative A true local legend, Terry has a long and colourful history in New Zealand's sailing scene. After founding Great Escape Yacht Charters in 1990, he spent decades teaching sailing to Kiwis and overseas visitors. Now Commodore of Opua Cruising Club and a relief Master aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, Terry continues to pass on his maritime knowledge to younger generations. Having competed in numerous Bay of Islands Sailing Weeks, Terry brings a lifetime of lessons learned from "just playing around in boats."

Robbs Heilkema - General Committee Robbs is the kind of sailor who brings people together. With a background spanning sailing coaching, charter work, and sales, he's built a well-rounded career grounded in community and practical experience. Currently Sales Manager at 36 degrees Brokers, Robbs is a former Head Coach at Bay of Islands Yacht Club and contributed to Yachting New Zealand's "Sailing... Have a Go!" programme, helping introduce young sailors to the sport. A long-time supporter and competitor at Bay of Islands Sailing Week, he now steps into a formal committee role to give back to the regatta. Based in Auckland, Robbs brings calm leadership, local knowledge, and a passion for developing sailing in New Zealand.

Sally Betts - General Committee Sally took up sailing a little later in life but has more than made up for it over the last 12 years, she's raced with clubs in both Wellington and Kerikeri and completed a full circumnavigation of the North Island. As an Executive Assistant, Sally brings exceptional administrative and communication skills to the committee. She's excited to help shape Bay of Islands Sailing Week this year, having competed in a couple already she is passionate about making the event inclusive and welcoming for sailors and their families.

Carl Webster - General Committee

Carl is a marine operation and sailing specialist with an impressive CV. From rigging and yacht fabrication to coaching and club leadership, he's worn many hats across both NZ and Australia. He's held senior roles with Australian Sailing, Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, and more recently at Brett's Marine in Auckland. Carl's combination of technical expertise, coaching insight, and leadership in safety and operations make him a cornerstone of the new committee. He's passionate about nurturing the next generation of sailors.

Bev Dickey - General Committee Bev has been a core member of the Bay of Islands Yacht Club for over a decade, serving as Vice Commodore, sponsor manager, and merchandising lead. Although she hasn't raced in Bay of Islands Sailing Week herself, she's been a keen spectator from the shore and brings a fresh yet experienced voice to the table. Now retired and based in Paihia, Bev is excited to contribute ideas, help build momentum and support the event's future alongside a team she describes as "passionate, thoughtful, and open- minded."

Contracted Roles Supporting the Event:

Evita Zarina - Event Administrator, Sponsorship & Onshore Volunteers Originally from Latvia, Evita now calls Russell home and brings a fresh, international perspective to Bay Week. With a professional background in event management, marketing, and community development, she's the behind-the-scenes powerhouse keeping things on track. Whether coordinating spreadsheets, volunteers, or social events, Evita is known for her high energy and relentless positivity. Now in her third year with Bay of Islands Sailing Week, she's focused on enhancing the event HQ experience and building stronger sponsor relationships, all while helping the team uphold their Clean Regattas certification.

Jacob Fewtrell - Media, Marketing & Communications Jacob grew up sailing in the Bay of Islands and has been immersed in the regatta scene from a young age. He brings both passion and professionalism to his role in media and comms, blending his background in competitive sailing with a digital media and event management degree. Jacob also runs Insight Media (Formerly Jacob Fewtrell Media), a business specialising in marine-focused content and marketing. This is his second year leading BOISW's digital presence, and he's looking forward to the year to come.

A Community-Driven Future Bay of Islands Sailing Week has always been more than just a race—it's a celebration of people, places, and passion. With this new committee and support team, the event is well positioned to meet the evolving needs of its sailing community. Whether it's through sustainable practices, stronger club partnerships, or creating an even more welcoming event atmosphere, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one for the books.

Next Edition - 19th - 23rd of January 2026