Sunday 18th - Wednesday 21nd January 2015.

The inaugural Nelson Regatta was conceived in 2009 by a group of local sailors, with ambitions of placing the region back on the national sailing map. Over the years the format has evolved to create a competitive and social week of racing that showcases the beauty of Tasman Bay.

The region is proud of its long-standing nautical history, with yacht races dating back to European settlement. Nelson's affair with the sea (beyond a means of transport) began in 1843 when the first official yacht race was staged, setting off a chain of events which led to the establishment in 1857 of New Zealand's earliest yacht club - the Nelson Yacht Club.

The weather and topography combine to make this region a top location for boating of all sorts. Nelson may be famous for its sunshine hours, but it is the lesser-known result of these clear, sunny mornings that makes it ideal for sailing - the fairly predictable 15-18kn sea breeze! And with the accessibility of the Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson truely is a sailor's dream location.

The regatta is scheduled to start the day after all boats have completed the annual Wellington to Nelson yacht race. Continuing on from the success of last year's racing, this year we are planning a similar format of one day round the buoys, with three days of coastal racing, including a night in Torrent Bay, and a party at the Pohara Boating Club at Tarakohe. All competitors will need to have sufficient accomodation and food on board for two nights and three days away from Nelson.

The warm pristine waters of Tasman Bay have been the playground of New Zealand Olympic and World Champion sailors for many years. This is your opportunity to join this tradition as the Tasman Bay Cruising Club welcomes sailors and supporters to the region for what is set to be another celebration of New Zealand yachting.