Please select your home edition
Edition
Melges 15
Product Feature
Crewsaver Spiral 100N
Crewsaver Spiral 100N

Bay of Islands Sailing Week - SheSails NZ Trophies on the line for Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025

by Hana Hielkema / Jacob Fewtrell Media 22 Jan 23:44 GMT 23 January 2025
Rum Jungle - Day 2 - Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025 - January 23, 2025 © Jacob Fewtrell Media

The battle for female sailing excellence is heating up as the Yachting New Zealand SheSails NZ top female helm trophies return to Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025.

Building on the momentum of last year's debut, these awards cover both Open Racing and Island Racing categories and aim to inspire a new generation of women taking the helm in competitive sailing.

As the 2025 edition unfolds, four female skippers are making their mark across the divisions, including Holly Patterson on Elliott 650 'Rum Jungle' competing in Island Racing - Spinnaker Divison 4, Anne Hirst at the helm of Magic 25 'Team Sex' in the sport boat division, Mikayla Plaw on Melges 40 'Sassinate' in A Division, and Melissa Logan on the Wright 12m 'Aeolian' in Island Racing - Non Spinnaker.

This initiative, born from a partnership with Yachting New Zealand's SheSails programme, represents a broader push to transform the sailing landscape.

"The idea of 'you need to see it to be it' is powerful," explains Raynor Haagh, Yachting New Zealand's national sport development director.

"Seeing female helms in action can inspire others to try helming and encourage those already involved to continue - knowing their efforts are valued by our community."

The timing couldn't be better, following last week's inspirational SailGP 'Breaking Boundaries' event at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. The event showcased three top female athletes from the international league, including trailblazer Martine Grael of Mubadala Brazil SailGP, who has made history as the league's first female helm. This showcase demonstrated how mandatory gender balance requirements are revolutionising team dynamics in professional sailing.

"These changes are leading to voluntary evolution, with people embracing the shift, reaping the benefits, and not looking back," Haagh notes.

Haagh emphasises that Bay of Islands Sailing Week, with its diverse range of divisions and vessels, provides the perfect platform for female sailors of all experience levels to compete and excel.

As young girls increasingly see sailing as a viable career path, the SheSails NZ awards represent more than just trophies - they're symbols of a transformative movement in the sport.

With its welcoming atmosphere and competitive spirit, Bay of Islands Sailing Week continues to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of female sailing champions.

More Information on SheSails: www.yachtingnz.org.nz/clubs/shesails-nz

Related Articles

Tom Dolan set for Trophée Laura Vergne
Competing double-handed alongside co-skipper Gildas Mahé After kicking off his season in Concarneau with a 7th place finish at the Solo Guy Cotten, Tom Dolan continues his 2025 campaign with a new event: the Trophée Laura Vergne, taking place at La Trinité-sur-Mer. Posted today at 11:07 am
Seldén Mast Launches U.S. Online Store
Making Genuine Spare Parts Available Nationwide Seldén Mast is proud to announce the launch of its dedicated online store for the U.S. market. For the first time, sailboat owners across the United States will have direct access to a comprehensive selection of genuine Seldén parts and accessories. Posted today at 8:50 am
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 3
Excitement on the docks as big breeze lines up for thrilling racing There's no shortage of talent or breeze in the BVI as almost eighty boats prepare to assume the challenge in the 52nd edition of the BVI Spring Regatta which starts Friday in the stunning Caribbean waters off Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. Posted today at 5:15 am
Vaikobi Launches New Board Short Collection
With a buy second pair half price deal Vaikobi, a leader in high-performance ocean sports apparel, is proud to introduce its latest collection of men's boardshorts: the Newport Boardies and Paddle Boardies. Designed for comfort, sports versatility and hydrodynamic efficiency. Posted on 3 Apr
Transat Paprec skippers under the microscope
Favorites, outsiders, newbies… In 12 days' time, the iconic 100% mixed transatlantic race between Concarneau and Saint-Barthélemy, Transat Paprec, will get under way. Posted on 3 Apr
J/70 Corinthian Europeans in Cascais day 1
54 teams participating in this new continental format The International J/70 Class Association continues to grow and evolve, debuting the Corinthian European Championship this year in Cascais Portugal. Posted on 3 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 2
A wild and windy day for the Scrub Island Invitational With gusts hitting 30+ knots in a particularly dark squall that hit the racecourse, washing off the salty water that had already drenched those sailors on the rail as big seas washed over the sides. Posted on 3 Apr
Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS day 4
Getting that winning mojo back on the Bay of Palma Coming as it does as the first major all-classes regatta after the Paris 2024 Olympics, the huge 54 Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels sailing regatta represents the perfect opportunity to rebuild dented confidence. Posted on 3 Apr
168th Jersey Electricity Gorey Regatta preview
British yachtsmen cruising Channel Island waters in July are very welcome to take part British yachtsmen planning to cruise through Channel Island waters this summer are invited to take part in one of the oldest sailing events in the British Isles - the Jersey Electricity Gorey Regatta. Posted on 3 Apr
Stewarton sailor scoops surprise World title
Scotland's Rory McKinna wins two-person Hansa 303 fleet down under Scottish sailor Rory McKinna, alongside Australia's Jess Wong, have secured Gold at the 2025 Hansa and Para World Championships in Newport, which concluded on the 30th of March. Posted on 3 Apr