A full summer racing programme is run by the Club. To qualify for points or trophies, each keel boat skipper must be a current member of the Club and pay a racing fee ($50.00) before racing.

Yachts from other boat clubs in the Bay of Islands are welcome to join our races, but will not be considered for points or trophies unless the pay a racing fee of $70 for the season, or join the Russell Boating Club as a racing member.

Safety Standards

All boats racing in Russell Boating Club races must, as a minimum, meet the safety standards for Category 5 (including the stability requirement). Some races have higher saftey standards. Boats may be disqualified if safety standards are not met. Random inspections will be held.

Race Series

The following races series will be run this season:

• Patron's Cup: for the yacht with the most weekend starts in Russell Boating Club Cat 5 races and interclub races between the James Wright Scot Cup and the end of the two handed series, inclusive. Ashby's Boatyard offers a free liftout and launch for the winner of this series
• Weekend series: for Duke of Marlborough Cup, 11 races, best 8 count
• Cater Ronstan Series: Wednesday evening races. Spinnakers cannot be used. 13 races, best 10 count
• Simon Willis Sails Series: Friday evening races with spinnakers, 12 races, best 9 count
• Single Handed Series: has three short races and one long race. Two short races and the long race count for the series. Auto pilots are not allowed and spinnakers can be used in all races
• Two Handed Series : has three days of races. All races count
• Interclub Races: The Dolphon Trophy is a single race between Opua Cruising Club and Russell Boat Club. The Fisher & Paykel Series is a three racee series held in May.