12th to 13 September 2026
We are excited to share that registrations are now open and Notice of Race is
published. It is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend both on and off the water!
We would love to see as many women as possible join us, whether you are racing hard, learning new skills, or simply soaking up the incredible atmosphere. Gather your crew, spread the word, and get ready for a memorable Waikawa weekend!
This year we are introducing an exciting two-division format:
Division 1 – Racing Division
Racing-focused for those keen to compete. This division is aimed at experienced crews looking to enter an established team for the full-on racing experience, with a mixture of sprint races, cans races and harbour races.
Division 2 Racing-focused for those keen to compete
This division is aimed at less experienced/novice sailors who want to learn or improve their yachting and racing skills, and experience some fun racing with a variation of mark foy racing. You will be encouraged to rotate crew positions, operating with an experienced skipper (who may be the boat owner) on hand to
share their experience and offer mentoring. This division also welcomes anyone that loves to teach sailing to less experienced women share their experience and offer mentoring.
There is truly something for everyone, no matter your experience level.
Join us for Taste Marlborough, our Friday afternoon on-water social event! If you
would like to be part of it, please remember to book when registering for the regatta.
Spaces are limited.
We are thrilled to announce our guest speaker for the Saturday night dinner, Olympic Gold Medallist Jenny Armstrong, who has just returned from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Jenny will also be actively involved in Division 2 throughout the weekend, generously sharing her passion, knowledge, and sailing skills. With spaces limited to just 100 people, we would love you to book this as part of your regatta
registration.
All competitors will have the chance to sharpen their rules knowledge at Sunday
breakfast tuition session with an experienced National Judge.
No Boat No worries.
Waikawa Boating Club has yachts that can be allocated to sailors/crews travelling to
the event.
New to Keeler sailing.
No problem, we can find you a friendly crew to sail and learn with.
Will I feel out of place?
The regatta is all about welcoming sailors of every age and experience level. The club will happily allocate you a team that works for you.
We have a team and wish to sail together.
Absolutely, sailing with friends is encouraged.
The notice of race is published and available by clicking the link below.
Registrations are open using the online form below. In this registration form is also the options to purchase the Saturday night dinner tickets and / or the Friday socal event in the sounds (Taste Marlborough)
The event has delicious lunches available for competitors from the seabreeze cafe, these are available at $26 per lunch and can be ordered and paid for on the on line form below. Lunches will be named and delivered to the club and available for collection. Orders will close on the 9th (please fill in for every person required)
Further information please e-mail events@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz
Waikawa Accommodation Options
Walking distance to the Waikawa Boating Club
Parklands Marina Holiday Park Beach Road, Waikawa – http://www.parktostay.co.nz
Waikawa Bay Holiday Park Waimarama Street, Waikawa – http://waikawabayholidaypark.co.nz
Bay Vista Waterfront Motel 303-307 Waikawa Road, Picton 7220 – http://www.bayvistapicton.co.nz
For other nearby accommodation options, we recommend contacting:
Picton i-SITE Visitor Centre
https://marlboroughnz.com/about/isite
Waikawa/Picton Shuttle Options
Waikawa Shuttle
0800 9 245 292
Kiwi Tours Shuttle
027 207 7437
Sounds Connection
4B/1 London Quay
Ph: 03 573 8843
Email: tours@soundsconnection.com
Pharmacy Picton
Picton Health Care Pharmacy
6 High Street, Picton
Ph: +64 3 573 6420
Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm
Sat 9.00am-2.00pm
CLOSED Sundays
Picton Supermarket
FreshChoice Picton
100 High Street, Picton
Ph: +64 3 573 6463
Mon-Sun 7.00am-9.00pm
Four Square Picton
49 High St Picton
Ph: 03573 6443
Mon – Sun 7.30am to 8pm
