Bay of Islands SW: Double Duty - Teen owner preps one boat while racing foiler at BOISW
by Jacob Fewtrell Media / Hana Hielkema 31 Dec 2024 12:25 PST
Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025: The sportsboat Animal Biscuits has been converted to a foiler © Jacob Fewtrell Media
Boat ownership isn't usually high on the list for newly turned 18-year-olds.
Except for Ryan McCready.
The Northland teenager has dreamed of owning a yacht since childhood—specifically the Ross 30 'Physical Favours, aka ‘Physsie’, which has been his sailing home since age six.
Weekly club racing at Kerikeri Cruising Club became the highlight of his calendar, so when he was given the opportunity to take responsibility for 'Physsie' – there was no hesitation.
"I've learned something new every time I've sailed on Physsie," he says. "I'm incredibly grateful to previous owner Pete Woods and my crew over the years. The experience has taught me about myself, the responsibilities of boat ownership, and the importance of having fun."
While Physical Favours is preparing for Bay of Islands Sailing Week next month, Ryan will be crewing elsewhere — on the foiling Shaw 7.5m sports boat 'Animal Biscuits.'
"After its foil conversion, Animal is incredible," Ryan says. "Blasting around at over 25 knots is both terrifying and exhilarating—a perfect blend of adrenaline and skill."
Ryan’s dad Ric will take the helm of Physical Favours while Ryan will be keeping an eye on both his boat's performance and maintenance needs from afar.
Despite juggling boat ownership with Bay Week practice, Ryan's passion for sailing and the yachting community runs deep. He’s gaining invaluable industry experience as the newest member to NZ Yacht Services, having just completed his final year at Kerikeri High School.
Ryan’s enthusiasm is a positive prompt for other youngsters looking to get involved and BOISW event coordinator Evita Zarina says the event committee is actively looking to connect crew seeking boats with skippers.
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“There’s always opportunities on bigger keelboats and sometimes all you need to do is put your hand up. You never know where these opportunities and experiences lead – and it would be awesome to see more young people out there crewing and learning,” she says.
As Ryan’s story showcases, getting involved in sailing at a young age opens pathways not only to competitive racing, but to careers in the industry, professional crewing and the broader maritime community where hands-on experience is valued above all else.
Evita reminds interested parties to sign up as crew for boats and get in touch if there’s a specific course or boat they are hoping to sail on.
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The annual event, which draws hundreds to New Zealand’s far north during peak summer, combines competitive racing with the region's natural beauty and strong sailing community.
The 2025 edition will be centred outside the Opua Cruising Club, featuring a revamped layout, refreshments, Mt Gay Rum, live music on Wednesday and Friday, and spot prizes. These additions aim to encourage sailors to step off their boats after racing and join in the festivities.
The Notice of Race is available on the website here and the Sailing Instructions will be available on the BOISW Mobile App (download from App Store or Google Play) by 1200 on Friday 17th January 2025. Entries received after 1st January 2025 will be accompanied by a $100 late fee, and the cut-off for entries will be Monday 13th January.