Russell Tall Ships Regatta

Each January, Russell’s waterfront fills with sails as the Bay of Islands hosts the annual Tall Ships Regatta. What started as a casual race between local sailors has become one of Northland’s favourite summer weekends, drawing vessels and crews from across the country. Over two days of racing, live music, and a legendary hāngī dinner, the regatta showcases Russell’s deep connection to the sea and the welcoming spirit that defines this historic coastal town.

The Spirit of the Tall Ships Regatta

The regatta began decades ago when local sailors started gathering for a friendly race around the bay. Over time, word spread, and what was once a low-key weekend between mates grew into an event that now attracts boats from throughout New Zealand. Despite its name, you won’t just see traditional tall ships. The fleet includes everything from lovingly restored wooden classics to modern fibreglass racers. It’s the variety that makes it interesting. For Russell’s boating community, the regatta has become an annual fixture that honors the region’s sailing roots while keeping the relaxed, inclusive vibe of those early races

A Weekend of Sailing and Celebration

The regatta runs over a long weekend in January. Friday kicks off with the Classic Launch Rally, where restored motor launches parade through the harbour in a leisurely warm-up to the main event. Saturday is race day, with yachts competing in three divisions: Tall Ships, Classic Invitation, and All Comers. Each category welcomes different vessel types, from traditional schooners to weekend cruisers, so there’s room for everyone on the start line.
Once the racing wraps up, the focus shifts to the Russell Boating Club. The prizegiving draws a crowd, but the real drawcard is the hāngī dinner, a regatta tradition that’s become as important as the racing itself. Live music follows, and the celebrations usually run well past midnight.

A Family-Friendly Day on the Water

You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy the regatta. Families spread out along Russell’s waterfront with picnics and cameras, watching the fleet jostle for position at the midday start off the wharf. Kids get caught up in the excitement as the sails go up and the boats heel over in the breeze. The compact size of the bay means you get a close-up view of the action without needing binoculars. Local cafes stay busy, and the grass areas near the waterfront fill up early with people claiming their spots for the afternoon’s racing.

A Showcase of Maritime Heritage

Many of the boats that compete are classics, some dating back decades. Their owners spend countless hours maintaining wooden hulls, rigging, and brass fittings, keeping these vessels seaworthy through a mix of traditional techniques and modern know-how. When they’re out on the water together, it’s an impressive sight.
For spectators lining the shore, the regatta offers a chance to see these older boats in action rather than just sitting at a marina. The skills required to sail and maintain them have been passed down through Russell’s boating families, and events like this help keep that knowledge alive

Keeping the Tradition Alive

The regatta has lasted because the Russell Boating Club and its volunteers keep showing up year after year. They handle everything from race management to setting up the hāngī, ensuring the event runs smoothly without losing its relaxed character. Plenty of families have multiple generations who’ve raced in the regatta, with knowledge and crew positions handed down from parents to kids. It’s this continuity that gives the event its strength. Russell’s sailing tradition isn’t just preserved in museums but lived out on the water each January

See It for Yourself

If you’re planning a trip to the Bay of Islands in late January, the Tall Ships Regatta is worth timing your visit around. The racing is free to watch from Russell’s waterfront, and the atmosphere around town makes for a great summer weekend. Whether you’re into sailing or just looking for something different to do, it’s one of those events that shows Russell at its best. For full event details and dates, visit the Russell Boating Club website.