Vixen Racing: Finding Their Stride in the Bay of Islands

When Vixen Racing sailed into Opua after sailing from Auckland in the PIC Coastal  Classic, it wasn’t just another boat arriving for a stopover. It was the homecoming of a  team with big dreams, bold plans, and a clear purpose: to enhance what offshore racing can look like, and create a pathway for the next generation of world-class  offshore sailors.  

At the heart of that mission is Sharon Ferris-Choat. Sailor, shareholder, and one of the  driving forces behind Vixen Racing. Sitting dockside in the Bay of Islands Marina, Sharon  spoke with easy honesty about what the team is building. 

“We’re female focused, but we’re inclusive,” she explained. “That’s always been the  point. We want more women in leadership roles in offshore sailing, but we want the  right people on board, full stop.” 

Right now, the ownership structure reflects that vision. Most of the shareholders are  women, with two remaining shares available. “The girls just put their hands up first,”  Sharon said with a laugh. And that’s been the pattern, women stepping forward and  taking ownership. 

Building Skills, Not Just Miles 

This isn’t a campaign built around headlines or hype. It’s built around hard work,  learning, and time at sea. 

Taylor Edwards is the current boat captain and chief mate, highly qualified and on a  pathway to eventually become skipper. Alongside him, several of the female  shareholders are actively working toward higher maritime qualifications. 

One of them already holds her Day Skipper ticket, aiming next for Yachtmaster.  Another, Carla, brings an incredible 40 years of sailing experience but no formal  certification, a situation Sharon says is surprisingly common in the racing world. 

“That’s what we’re trying to change,” she said. “We want real pathways. Real  qualifications. Real opportunities.” 

Behind the scenes, the team is also supported by a tight-knit shore crew, including  marketing lead Natalie, who Sharon describes as “absolutely incredible” and the  driving force behind the new Vixen Racing website.

A Racing Calendar That Hardly Slows Down 

If there’s one word to describe the Vixen Racing schedule, it’s ‘ambitious’. 

Their upcoming plans read more like an adventure logbook than a race program: Hobart  to Opua, Opua to the Three Kings, Norfolk Island, Great Barrier, Mercury Islands, back  to Auckland, and that’s only the first part of the year. 

Also, in January, they plan to compete in Bay of Islands Sailing Week, based out of the  Bay of Islands Marina. 

Later in the season, the plans get even bigger: a lap of the North Island, a solo Tasman  crossing, and a full Australian campaign stretching from Sydney up through the Gold  Coast, Mackay and Magnetic Island, before returning south. 

And somewhere in there? A possible world record attempt. 

“It's full on,” Sharon admitted. “But that’s kind of the point.” 

Shareholders get first choice of the sailing legs they want to crew. Any remaining spots  are opened to the public, giving paying crew members a chance to experience high level offshore sailing and to help fund the campaign. 

Giving Back to the Next Generation 

While the offshore miles are important, so is what happens close to shore. During their Bay of Islands stay, the Vixen crew has been busy welcoming young sailors  onboard, including teenagers from the local club and plans to host primary school kids. 

“We just want them to see what’s possible,” Sharon said. “To step onboard, see the  systems, ask questions, and realise there’s space for them in this world.” 

It’s not about polished presentations. It’s about real experiences, real boats, and real  people.

A Marina That Feels Like Home 

Bay of Islands Marina isn’t just a convenient stop, it’s become part of the story.

The team spoke warmly about their time here:

“We’re incredibly thankful to Opua Marina for hosting us and for the amazing service  since we’ve been here. We honestly can’t wait to come back on the 13th of January for  the Kiwi summer.” 

More Than Just a Race Boat 

Vixen Racing is not trying to be perfect. They’re trying to be real. 

They’re juggling certifications, commercial surveys, safety ratings, international  compliance and maintenance — all while planning some of the coolest races in  offshore sailing. 

“It’s pretty chaotic,” Sharon laughed. “But it’s good chaos.” 

And maybe that’s the real story here. Not just a boat in a marina — but a team building  something from scratch. Something inclusive. Something ambitious. Something very  human. 

And for now? Their home port is right here in the Bay of Islands Marina.

Find out more: vixenracing.co.nz