Frequently asked questions
“If this isn’t heaven then it’s just next door.”
— Peter J. Montgomery
FAQ
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How much is the race entry fee and what does it include?
The entry fee is $5,500+ GST for vessels 24 metres and over. Prices include:
The entry fee covers up to 5 anglers, and includes temporary membership to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club if required
X10 tickets to the Welcome Function and Prizegiving Function. Additional tickets can be purchased for $95 + GST per person (subject to confirmation).
Will there be skipper briefings?
Yes, there is a skipper/owner event briefing at the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club on Friday 11th February 2022 at 4.45pm.
What species can I enter in the NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition.
Please check the current list of eligible species under Eligible Species in our Rules, Terms and Conditions as species may change from time to time.
Can I register after the fish has been caught and submit my entry?
Yes, but the fish must be photographed correctly on an official NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition measure so you'll need to be fishing with someone who already has a measure approved for use in this competition.
What are the rules for photographing the fish on the measure?
Please read our rules on measuring your fish carefully, paying particular attention to how the fish should be placed on the measure.
What if my picture isn't clear enough to confirm the length?
The NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition admin team reserve the right to invalidate your entry if we can't confirm the fish length or species. All fish must be photographed to clearly show the whole fish on the measure. The photo must conform to the rules for photographing the fish on the measure.
Can someone hold the fish on the measure while the photo is being taken.
Yes, provided the photo confirms the measurement precisely and it conforms to the rules for photographing the fish on the measure (see above).
When the measurement falls in between two marks on the measure which one do I use?
Measurements are rounded back to the nearest 0.5cm mark on the measure. For example if your fish is just over 40cm but does not reach the 40.5cm mark then the length you are to record when you enter your catch will be 40.0cm.
What is the official measure?
The NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition official measures include any measure that has been formally approved for the NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition by the NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition organisers (and is displayed in our rules section).
How is the competition managed?
We are honoured to have one of New Zealand’s’ largest fishing clubs manage the competition of this regatta. The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club is also New Zealand’s oldest game fishing club in New Zealand with a history dating back to 1910. The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club is a founding member of the New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council Inc (NZSFC) and is affiliated to International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) , New Zealand Chartered Clubs (Clubs NZ), The Tuna Club of Avalon, The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, Opua Cruising Club and the Russell Boating Club.
I need a local guide to assist; can you help?
Yes we can. For an additional cost, we can provide you with a local guide who can come onboard the vessel and assist with the competition. The guide will be onboard to assist and can also provide the fishing gear required if necessary. Please let us know if you would like this assistance.
Where will the competition entrants berth?
Historically all of our superyachts prefer to anchor off Russell
How much does berthage cost for the event?
Berthage for the duration of the event will be dedicated anchor points, including the day before as part of the race entry fee, sponsored by Port Opua and Far North Holdings. For berthage outside of these dates please contact the Port Opua marina office email: enquiries@opuamarina.co.nz
Do I need a pilot if my vessel is under 500 tonnes?
No, but if you have any concerns please contact the Harbourmaster - Jim Lyle, at jiml@nrc.govt.nz or the NZ Millennium Cup team at info@millenniumcup.com
Do I need a pilot if my vessel is over 500 tonnes?
Yes, you will need a pilot to enter past Russell, this is a Maritime New Zealand rule. NZ Marine are working with the relevant government agencies to make this process as simple as possible for vessels.
There is a pilot exemption requirement mentioned in the Guide to Superyachts but this requires the skipper to undertake an exam and is geared towards vessels intending to spend some time in the area. Please note that pilot availability will be limited. To discuss the requirements contact the Harbourmaster, Jim Lyle, at jiml@nrc.govt.nz, or Port Opua marina office email: chris@fnhl.co.nz.
What anchorages are available nearby?
For vessels over 500 tonnes, anchorages are available outside the inner harbour. Anchorages are very weather dependant. Due to the large number of Islands and bays a sheltered anchorage can almost always be found, but distances may vary to Russell, depending on tender speed.
A good anchorage is found at Roberton Island, 35 14.223s 174 10.258E.
Where can we dock or tie up the tender?
We’ve made provision for secure tie up spots in Russell. We will advise closer to the race of where these are.
Where’s the nearest bunkering point?
Bunkering can take place from Opua Wharf. There is a restriction on truck weights to 26,000kg so any volumes in excess must be done independently (e.g. truck and trailer units bunkered separately). The wharf can accommodate any sized vessel.
Can we access shoreside services; garbage disposal etc? Absolutely, we want your stay to be as easy and comfortable for your guests as possible, and we’ll ensure you have access to every facility. Skip bins will be provided for refuse at Russell.
Is there someone available to assist me with crew accommodation, provisioning etc?
If you want to research and book your own accommodation requirements the Bay of Islands offer a fantastic range of places to stay, check out the options at www.northlandnz.com, www.bookabach.co.nz , www.wotif.co.nz or www.jasons.co.nz. Please let us know what you would like assistance with and we will put you in touch with one of our many experienced superyacht agents
What else is in the region for owners?
Northland is famous for its ultra-luxe lodges, set privately in some of the world’s best coastal scenery. Owners can tee off at a David Harman-designed golf course at Kauri Cliffs, against a backdrop of Pacific Ocean, be delivered by tender to a lush, uninhabited island for a beachside lunch, explore ancient inland forests with 1200 year old trees or visit a local vineyard’s cellar door. The Bay of Islands is formed of 144 islands, and was named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world for its abundance of friendly fish, caves, tunnels, archways and wrecks to explore. It’s a sub-tropical paradise with world-class big game fishing, scenic cruising, and exceptional sailing conditions.
Where’s the nearest airport for the owner to meet the yacht?
The nearest international airport is in Auckland; from there it’s a 40-minute flight to the Bay of Islands FBO airport, 50-minutes by helicopter from downtown Auckland or a three hour drive by car.
Where’s the nearest immigration clearance point?
Opua is a port of entry, and you can clear customs here into the country.
TOURNAMENT RULES
PART 1 GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
ORGANISING AUTHORITY
The Organising Authority is the New Zealand Marine Export Group Incorporated (Inc.) associated with the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, Russell.
Address all correspondence pertaining to the competition to:
NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition
c/o NZ Marine Export Group
PO Box 90448, Auckland 1142
85 Westhaven Drive, Auckland 1010
New Zealand
Tel: +64 9 360 0056
Mob: +64 21 818 922
Email: stacey@nzmarine.com
Event Contacts
Event CEO
Peter Busfield peter@nzmarine.com
Event Manager
Stacey Cook stacey@nzmarine.com
Tournament Authority
Bay of Islands Swordfish Club swordfish@xtra.co.nz
2 EVENT WEBSITE
2.1 Periodic updates and the latest information on the competition can be found on the event website, www.superyachtfishingcomp.com
3 RACE OFFICE
3.1 The Organising Authority Office is located in the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, Russell.
4 INSURANCE
4.1 Each participating yacht shall be insured with valid third party liability insurance with adequate cover taking into account the value of the yachts and the measure of damages likely to arise in the event of an accident. The captain shall ensure that a certificate of insurance (in English) reflecting the above required insurance requirements is carried onboard the yacht at all times during the competition.
4.2 The Organising Committee shall not be responsible for losses arising during the competition (insured or otherwise). All owners and skippers are advised that it is the responsibility of owners and/or skippers to ensure that they carry the relevant insurance. Yachts participate at their own risk.
5 ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY
5.1 Eligible boats may enter by filling in the attached entry form and paying the entry fee.
5.2 Entry forms must be completed and received prior to 6pm, 10th December 2022. The rules must be read and understood prior to start of the tournament. Entry forms can be found at www.superyachtfishingcomp.com
5.3 The competition is open to superyachts not less than 24 metres hull length (not including boom sprits and the like). The NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Committee reserves the right to make an exception to any of above.
5.4 Late entries may be accepted at the sole discretion of the organizing authority, after Dec 11th 2022 a late fee of $500 NZD + 15% GST will apply.
6 FEES
6.1 Required fees are as follows
7 SCHEDULE
8 RULES
8.1 Teams must fish from the superyacht noted on the entry form.
8.2 New Zealand Superyacht Fishing Competition is a Points Tournament. Trophy and prizes go to the team with the most points (in the event of a tie the first team to secure the points will be the winning team).
8.3 A team consists of 2 or more anglers, max of 6.
GENERAL BAY OF ISLANDS SWORDFISH CLUB FISHING RULES
8.4 These rules form the backdrop of the New Zealand Superyacht Fishing Competition Rules. The Club has an obligation to recognise the skills and achievements of its members primarily in the practice of angling. One method of recognition is granting awards and trophies at the annual prize giving and the awarding of pins, patches, certificates and other prizes during the season and tournaments.
8.5 The Club believes that the nature of and the reason for awards must be to recognise abilities and accomplishments that bring credit not only to the members but also to the Club, it is further believed that it will be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the Club, when awards are within reach of the members.
8.6 There are some aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through rule making. Angling regulations cannot ensure an outstanding performance from each fish; records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish. Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect on the person fishing and only the angler can properly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the catch. Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA angling rules and within the intent of these rules can be considered for world records.
8.7 HIERARCHY OF RULES
2022 Superyacht Fishing Tournament Rules
BOISC Rules
NZSFC Rules
IGFA Rules
9 FISHING AREA
9.1 See attachment A showing gridmap
10. FISHING DAYS
10.1 Start fishing: Saturday 12th February 0800
10.2 Stop fishing: Sunday 13th February 1500
11. LINE CLASSES
11.1 1kg minimum to 37kg maximum.
11.2 All fishing must be within BOISC, NZSFC and IGFA rules. If you are unfamiliar with any rules please ask the Convener at the briefing who can advise and provide relevant information.
11.3 Only fish eligible for points are:
Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin and Black Marlin: minimum 90kg if weighed
Broadbill Swordfish: must exceed line weight
Short Billed Spearfish: minimum 10kg or over line weight
Tuna: Minimum 10kg or over line weight
Kingfish: Minimum 10kg or over line weight
Snapper: Minimum 5kg or over line weight
12. POINTS CALCULATED
12.1 Weighed fish points are the weight of fish x 100 divided by line weigh – applies to Billfish (Marlin & Broadbill), Shortbill Spearfish and Tuna.
12.2 Weighed Snapper and Kingfish = weight of fish in kilograms x 5, no formula applies
12.3 Measured and released Snapper and Kingfish = 1 point per cm, only top 5 scoring fish for each team, or top two for each angler of each species per day
Snapper must measure over 40cm
Kingfish must measure over 90cm
12.4 Measure and Release:
Snapper and kingfish may be measured and released. A photo must be supplied prior to 5pm on Sunday 13th February (Please email photos to swordfish@xtra.co.nz or pxt to 0274088804. An official IGFA or NZSFC measure device must be used and they are available from the club. A limit of 5 per day per team or 2 per day per angler of each species may be entered for measure and release.
12.5 Tagged Billfish get 500 points on 37kg line, 650 points on 24kg line, 800 points on 15kg line Tagged Shortbill Spearfish receive 150 points regardless of line class
Tagged Tuna receive 150 points – Yellowfin and Bigeye only
There are no points for just released fish.
12.6 Tagged Billfish that cannot be revived must be boated and do not count as tagged and released fish.
12.7 Fishing times are from 8am on Saturday 12th February through to 3pm on Sunday 13th February. There are no lines out of the water time between start fishing and 3pm on the last day.
12.8 Incomplete tag cards and or weigh sheets will result in the catch not counting in the tournament (weigh sheets must be filled in correctly and signed).
12.9 If a team/angler chooses to play a fish late and the team does not make it to Russell Weigh Station by 5pm on the last day, that catch whether landed or tagged and released, and all other fish for the same day will not qualify for the tournament.
12.10 All gamefish hooked up must be called in by VHF Channel 3 ASAP or relayed if out of range. Also, the outcome of all boated fish must be advised ASAP through to Swordy Sports on VHF Channel 3.
12.11 Hours of the weigh station is 5:00pm - 7:00pm Saturday, and 3pm – 5pm on Sunday. The weigh station is located at the end of Russell wharf.
12.12 Fish may be transported to the weigh station by a tender boat from the Superyacht it was caught from.
12.13 All fish caught in this tournament will be recorded as catches for the BOISC and may not be claimed for recognition by any other Club.
13. TROPHIES/PRIZES
13.1 Trophies and/or prizes will be awarded for:
Winning Team Most Points
Runner Up Team Most Points
Angler Most Points
Runner Up Angler Most Points
Heaviest Billfish (Marlin/Broadbill)
Heaviest Other Species
Prizes may be reallocated at the discretion of the convener, based on fish caught during the tournament.
13.2 The NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition trophy will be awarded to the Winning Team Most Points.
14 VENUE
14.1 Attachment B shows the location of the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club venue.
15 ADVERTISING
15.1 Boats may be required to display advertising chosen and supplied by the organising authority.
15.2 The organising authority reserves the right to publish or broadcast anywhere in the world, names, images, video footage and audio recordings taken before, during or after the competition.
15.3 Event flags will be provided by the organising authority. These must be displayed during all days participated in during the competition.
16 CANCELLATION TERMS
16.1 If an entry cancels prior to the 1st December 2021, a full refund of the entry fee shall apply. If an entry cancels on or after the 1st December 2021 no refund of the entry fee shall apply.
17 CANCELLATION OF THE COMPETITION
17.1 The organizing authority reserves the right to cancel the competition completely by written notification to each yacht via email to the captain’s e-mail address provided on the Entry Application.
In the event of cancellation of the competition:
In the event the competition is cancelled, a refund in whole or part will be limited to payments made or due for the entry fee only.
This Agreement in respect of this competition will be terminated forthwith; and each yacht, owner and captain hereby expressly agree that no claim of any nature whatsoever against the organizing authority will be permitted or entertained and each yacht, owner and captain hereby expressly undertakes to indemnify the organizers in respect of any claim brought by anyone associated with them and/or their yacht and any costs incurred by the organizers in relation to such claim.
18 POSTPONEMENT OF THE COMPETITION
18.1 The organizing authority reserves the right to postpone the competition by written notification to each yacht via email to the captain’s e-mail address provided on the Entry Application.
In the event of postponement of the competition:
In the event the competition is postponed to another date in 2022 no refund of the entry fee shall apply regardless if the yacht participates or not in the rescheduled date.
19 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
19.1 Competitors participate in the competition entirely at their own risk. Competitors agree to take any and all responsibility for the nautical qualities of their boat, the rigging, the crew’s ability and the safety equipment. NZ Marine Export Group Inc., Bay of Islands Swordfish Club Inc. and each of their respective sponsors, contractors, volunteers and all other affiliated organisations and individuals, will not accept any liability for damage to property or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with, prior to, during, or after the competition. NZ Marine Export Group Inc., Bay of Islands Swordfish Club Inc. and each of the their respective affiliates, sponsors, agents, employees, officers, directors and contractors (the “Released Parties”) are not responsible for any damage to property or personal injury (including death) sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the competition and, as a condition of participating in the competition, each participant releases all claims that it may have against any of the Released Parties for any damage to property or personal injury (including death) sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the competition. It is the sole and inescapable responsibility of each yacht to decide whether or not to continue participating.
19.2 A Competitor shall be responsible for any and all property damage and personal injury (including death) incurred by yacht, its owner, its captain, its crew members, its guests and/or any third party while the yacht is in or about Russell which arises from the actions or inaction of the yacht, the owner, the captain or crew or guests of the yacht or which arises from the yacht’s presence in or about Russell, and the competitor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless NZ Marine Export Group Inc., Bay of Islands Swordfish Club Inc. and each of the their respective affiliates, sponsors, agents, employees, officers, directors and contractors (the “Indemnified Parties”) from any and all claims, losses, damages and liabilities suffered or incurred by one or more of the Indemnified Parties in respect of the same.
20 SAFETY MESSAGE - PLEASE READ BEFORE PARTICIPATING
20.1 The New Zealand Superyacht Fishing Competition has been arranged for 2 days and it is the skipper’s responsibility to determine that on any one day, the sea conditions and weather forecasts are safe for his/her boat to put to sea. It is the skipper’s responsibility to ensure that the boat they intend to participate in is capable of putting to sea and meeting local coastguard and all Club requirements. Participation in the BOISC hosted tournament does not diminish each skipper’s sole responsibility under maritime law nor shift any of the responsibility to the Club even if the event officials make the decision on the conditions for that day.
Attachment A – Tournament Grid Map
