Over Labour Weekend, the EBYMBC Ross 780 Fleet (Fine Entry, XT Sea & Bonkers) headed up to Lake Rotoiti (Bay of Plenty) for the New Zealand Trailer Yacht Association Cruising Rally.

It was a great weekend with sunshine and no wind (it was actually blowing 15-20kts in the main lake, but it seemed like no wind compared to what we have had in Wellington recently).  A lot of fun was had exploring a couple of the natural hot springs on Saturday. XT Sea also made the trip down the Lake to the Hot Pools, before 13 boats gathered at “Poplars” for a few afternoon/evening cocktails in the sun.

Sunday saw a bit of a change in forecast with increased breeze and rain expected, most boats hung around for the day before scattering like cats (and racing for the comfort of the BOPTYS Trailer Park and clubrooms when a couple of spits of rain threatened).

While it was a six-hour drive (towing), the hospitality from the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron and incredible scenery on the lake (we only saw a tiny piece of it) made it well worth the effort, and I think it’s fair to say that all three boats will be returning north again at some stage soon.

Below are a few snaps from the weekend, and there are some better ones available on the BOPTYS Facebook page here.

 

We got a bit excited being able to put the boats in the water without them blowing away!

Hot Water Beach

"Poplars" - Photo by Tim Whittaker

Hot Water Creek

Lake edge accomodation

Article added: Tuesday 28 October 2025