Bluewater Festival

Date: 22 September 2026 – 29 September 2026

Location: Vava'u, Tonga

Organizer: Vava'u Tourism

The Vava'u Blue Water Festival, often just called the Regatta Festival, is the biggest event on Tonga's cruising calendar. It takes place in Neiafu, the main harbour town of the Vava'u island group, where a large share of the South Pacific cruising fleet gathers each season on the coconut-milk run west. The 2026 festival runs 22 to 29 September. The week mixes yacht racing in the protected waters of the archipelago with barbecues, party nights, live music, dancing, kids' events, games and practical seminars for crews preparing the passage on to New Zealand. It is supported by the Bank of the South Pacific, local marine businesses and marine industry sponsors from New Zealand's North Island, which tells you who the audience is: bluewater sailors mid-voyage. Vava'u itself, with its deep, sheltered anchorages and humpback whale season, is a large part of the appeal. Racing is competitive but nobody pretends it is the main point.

View this event on the World Sailing Day map

More sailing events in Tonga

See all sailing events in Tonga, or browse the world map to discover regattas, open days and sailing festivals near you — and explore yacht clubs, marinas and sailing schools along the way.

Sailing nearby

Planning to attend? These clubs, marinas, schools and other sailing places are close to Vava'u and worth a visit while you are in the area:

Want to grow sailing in Tonga? Become a World Sailing Day ambassador.