Rising Stars Prevail against Experienced Sailors in New Zealand's 2025 Flying 15 National Championship

New Zealand’s largest keelboat regatta, the Bay of Islands Sailing Week, channeled riveting competition among a mix of local and international contestants in the 2025 Flying 15 National Championship. The penultimate week of January saw the racing world converge on the Bay of Islands. Despite initial gales and heavy rain, the weather mellowed sufficiently for a brief training session on Tuesday. Soon, the fleet began their journey to the course, heralding the official commencement of the championship. The first race saw Sarah Reynolds and Peter Macartney’s smooth maneuvering in their newly renovated boat, Fflying Cloud. Their early lead was indeed a sight to behold.

However, the winds of chance changed as four-time National Champions Murray Gilbert and Jonathon Burgess took the first victory on their boat, Ffrentic. Further excitement ensued during the second race when The Godffather, initially leading, was overtaken by FFantocini in a gripping duel during the race’s finale. As the day continued, an unexpected sea breeze renewed the racecourse. Seizing upon this opportunity, Neil Easton from The Godffather crew secured an exhilarating win in the ultimate race of the day.

The second day welcomed contestants with mild winds but gradually gave way to a burgeoning sea breeze. The fluctuating conditions brought out the best in Ffrentic, piloted by Gilbert and Burgess, showcasing their superior control and speed in light conditions that helped them clinch a hat-trick of victories. A taxing nine-hour journey home followed the day’s races, punctuating the raw intensity and endurance required throughout the tournament.

As the final day dawned, an enthralling spectacle was in store. Ben Lowe and Jonny Noakes, piloting Ffantoncini, showcased remarkable mettle, securing three back-to-back wins. This fascinating domination enabled them to clinch the regatta championship, marking them as the fifth new crew to secure the Flying 15 National Championships in as many years. Trailing them were Murray Gilbert and Jonathon Burgess of Ffrentic in the second spot and class President Sally Garrett alongside Neil Easton from The Godffather who clinched the last spot on the podium.