On January 28, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands will start to fill with superyacht industry members from across the world. The region, known for its outstanding natural beauty, plays host annually to the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta and once a year transforms from laidback New Zealand town to the focus of the superyacht world.

Yachts of the superyacht scene like Adele, Black Sails, Janice of Wyoming, Silvertip or Kawil appear on the horizon, while big name sailors such as Tom Dodson and Tom Schnackenberg, and globally-recognised companies like Orams Marine, Royal Huisman and Benetti Yachts roll into town.

The 2020 regatta will be raced from 29 January to 1 February and, as it has for the past several years, take place in the Bay of Islands. However its origins were in Auckland and in the past it’s been raced as far afield as Palma alongside its sister regatta, the Superyacht Cup.

This iteration of the regatta will be repeated into 2021 where it will evolve again as the J Class Association will join the event, to create a bumper regatta where up to 40 yachts are expected. With upwards of 30 race crew onboard each yacht in addition to her full time crew and owners and guests, the events will swell the numbers of small Bay of Islands town, Russell, where the regatta is headquartered.

The NZ Millennium Cup is in its 12th edition this year, and was first raced as an adjunct to the 30th America’s Cup in Auckland. Now, with the 36th America’s Cup approaching, organisers have been excited to see an increase of interest both in the regatta and in New Zealand’s wider cruising  grounds.

Off the back of the Superyacht Cup in Palma platinum sponsor Orams Marine’s managing director Craig Park said that “interest in racing south has matured into a driver - seasoned skippers and owners are looking to our shores for their next adventure as well as refit work.”

Its popularity is such that even when superyacht owners don’t compete, they’ll often take part. Tawera owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney are perfect examples. The multi-cup champions won’t compete with their yacht this year, but are returning to the regatta to lead the infamous skiff race.

Royal Huisman build Sassafras will return to the race, as will fellow past competitors Silvertip and Janice of Wyoming, while new entrants Kawil, and 48-metre Thalia will take to the water. Entries have also rolled in for 2021 with Cilliam and Black Sails already entering, along with Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras and Silvertip.

“Having been involved with most other superyacht regattas globally, I can honestly say that the 2018 Millennium Cup was the most enjoyable event I’ve ever done,” said captain of 2018 entry, S/Y Sassafras, Tim Michalick.

Platinum sponsors Royal Huisman and Orams Marine are both heavy-hitters in the industry - Orams Marine in New Zealand and Royal Huisman in the Netherlands - and use the regatta as a way to capture the attention of the superyacht industry.

Additional sponsors have joined the regatta including Benetti Yachts, Doyle Sails, Smuggler Marine and Bay of Islands Marina as gold sponsors, COAST, Breed Media, North Sails/Southern Spars, Events Clothing and Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL) as silver sponsors, and Holton Marine, Power Equipment, Coppercoat, Blue Marine Travel, Nautica Shipping, Robinson Interiors, Elite Marine Design and Attest Ltd as friends of the industry sponsors.

The notice of race was released earlier this year by the organising authority; the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee and the New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. under the auspices of the Russell Boating Club, and can be found on the NZ Millennium Cup website. Millennium cup.com/notice-of-race.html

The 2020 edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup has been attracting unprecedented interest from the international superyacht market as it heralds the start of a bumper series of superyacht events leading into the 36th America’s Cup.

The most-recent big name to come onboard is Italian superyacht powerhouse, Benetti Yachts, which joins last month’s signing, Royal Huisman. ​

“Benetti is very pleased to join the New Zealand Millennium Cup. Sailing is a global sport and leisure culture enjoyed by many and as a global brand in the maritime sector we are pleased to support the yachting community in this way,” says Peter Mahony - Asia Pacific general manager at Benetti Yachts.

“With the 36th America’s Cup fast approaching for New Zealand, we see the opportunity for superyachts to explore the amazing South Pacific and we hope this will include many Benetti yachts. 

“We look forward to the regatta and wish everyone involved a wonderful and memorable event.”  

The 2020 regatta will be raced from 29 January to 1 February and is rapidly building towards a bumper edition with New Zealand’s summer yachting season already showing signs of being busy, as America’s Cup fever hits.

A large American sponsor is due to join the major Italian and Dutch signings from the past two months, with an announcement expected early in January.

“It’s a point of pride for New Zealanders to take excellent care of their guests, or manuhiri,” says says organiser Stacey Cook, “and we’re all looking forward to opening up our very special part of the world to our international yacht and sponsor visitors.

“We see the addition of Benetti to the sponsorship family as a significant milestone for the event as we build towards 2021. It’s very rare for a motoryacht builder to be involved with an event that is built around a sailing event. It demonstrates the high level of interest we are receiving from the global superyacht industry and underpins the value we are creating for owners, guests and business both on and off the water.”

“We always advise refit clients to book well in advance as the yard is invariably full through the New Zealand season of August to May,” says Platinum sponsor Orams Marine’s Craig Park.”

“At the moment, that’s even more important than ever. It’s great to see so many yachts taking the time to cruise through the Pacific and make their way to New Zealand and we’re looking forward to introducing more of our international colleagues, peers and friends to the beautiful Bay of Islands when racing begins in February.”

Royal Huisman build Sassafras will return to the race, as will fellow past competitors Silvertip, Tawera, and Janice of Wyoming, and new entrant Kawil will take to the water. Entries have also rolled in for 2021 with Cilliam and Black Sails already entering, along with Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras and Silvertip.

Additional sponsors have returned to the regatta including Doyle Sails, Smuggler Marine and Bay of Islands Marina as gold sponsors, COAST, Breed Media, North Sails/Southern Spars and Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL) as silver sponsors, and Holton Marine, Power Equipment and Attest Ltd as friends of the industry sponsors.

At the prize giving of the 2019 edition in February the owner of entrant, Freya described the regatta.

"It’s fantastic to come to this beautiful place, in this beautiful country, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’d like to say thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful, wonderful time.”

The regatta will take place amongst the 144 islets of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s Northland; a sub-tropical playground that has been a home to sailors since the earliest Māori voyagers arrived in New Zealand.

Its headquarters will be in the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel which received New Zealand’s first liquor license in 1840.

“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said Marcus Blackmore in 2018, owner of the year’s champion Ammonite.

The notice of race was released earlier this year by the organising authority; the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee and the New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. under the auspices of the Russell Boating Club, and can be found on the NZ Millennium Cup website. Millennium cup.com/notice-of-race.html

Few can lay claim to having worked every grape harvest in Marlborough, but Allan Scott can.

We've been proud to be associated with Allan Scott over several years and are very excited to announce that Allan Scott himself will attend this year's regatta to conduct wine tastings in person. 

Allan Scott is one of the true pioneers and a name synonymous with New Zealand’s acclaimed Marlborough region, having planted the region’s first vineyard in 1973. In June 2011 he was awarded a Queen’s Birthday honour for services to the New Zealand wine industry.

Allan has nearly 40 years in the wine business, which makes him one of the most experienced people in Marlborough when it comes to growing, making and marketing wine. When Allan and his wife Catherine decided to settle here in 1973, (Cathy is a fifth generation Marlburian) Allan took a job with Montana working in their new vineyards. In 1980 he was head-hunted by Corbans to oversee the establishment of their Marlborough vineyards and to become part of the winemaking team.

This interest and passion for making wine eventually led to the establishment of Allan Scott Family Winemakers in 1990, making Allan Scott one of the first independent wineries in Marlborough.  The Allan Scott winery has seen some changes since then. Over the 29 years since its inception, the winery has evolved to keep ahead of the changing demands from the market, whilst still remaining a family business. Allan and Catherine oversee every aspect of the business and have entrusted the key operational elements to each of their three children – Josh (winemaking and COO), Sara (viticulturist) and Victoria (marketing). In the way Allan is a pioneer, Josh is an innovator and adventurer. He’s introduced modern techniques that have lifted Allan Scott wines even more and the two work closely to this day. 

"At Allan Scott, making great wine is a given, but by improving techniques and enhancing the environment we can protect our patch of Eden for the next generation. We’re big advocates of sustainable practices, and as an accredited member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand we go above and beyond to eliminate waste and pollution from our processes."  

"We’ve been part of Marlborough’s transformation from a place known for its sunshine into a region known for some of the best wines in the world. We’re committed to the future of this place and we love that we’re in a position where we can give back to our community; supporting several worthy causes both regionally and nationally."

Along with the core range of Allan Scott Estate wines, there is a méthode traditionnelle range and the family’s Scott Base Vineyard in Central Otago

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is proud to announce Royal Huisman has joined the regatta as co-platinum sponsor.

The Dutch builder and yard will join New Zealand’s Orams Marine as co-platinum sponsor for the 2020 and 2021 regattas which will be raced in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds; the Bay of Islands.

“Royal Huisman is proud to announce its sponsorship of the New Zealand Millennium Cup. The team is looking forward to meeting new friends and to reinforcing existing ties during this sailing event in the impressive New Zealand cruising grounds,” says Jurjen van 't Verlaat, marketing and communications manager of Royal Huisman.

“Due to recent and current projects there is a good deal to update you on. We are always delighted to discuss new build or refit projects that call upon all the skills, ingenuity and experience we can offer at our two main shipyards in the Netherlands – Vollenhove and Amsterdam – and also at various flexible locations. We are looking forward to meeting you and of course, to hearing all of the New Zealand industry’s own news,” continues van 't Verlaat.
 
The 2020 regatta will be raced from 29 January to 1 February and is rapidly building towards a bumper edition with New Zealand’s summer yachting season already showing signs of being busy, as America’s Cup fever hits.

“We always advise refit clients to book well in advance as the yard is invariably full through the New Zealand season of August to May,” says Orams Marine’s Craig Park.”

“At the moment, that’s even more important than ever. It’s great to see so many yachts taking the time to cruise through the Pacific and make their way to New Zealand and we’re looking forward to introducing more of our international colleagues, peers and friends to the beautiful Bay of Islands when racing begins in February.”

Royal Huisman build Sassafras will return to the race, as will fellow past competitors Silvertip, Tawera, and Janice of Wyoming, and new entrant Kawil will take to the water. Entries have also rolled in for 2021 with Cilliam and Black Sails already entering, along with Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras and Silvertip.

Returning media partners Ocean Media and Boat International are both much-appreciated and welcomed additions to the regatta's community. 

Additional sponsors have returned to the regatta including Doyle Sails, Smuggler Marine and Bay of Islands Marina as gold sponsors, COAST, Breed Media, North Sails/Southern Spars and Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL) as silver sponsors, and Holton Marine, Power Equipment and Attest Ltd as friends of the industry sponsors.

At the prize giving of the 2019 edition in February the owner of entrant, Freya described the regatta.

"It’s fantastic to come to this beautiful place, in this beautiful country, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’d like to say thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful, wonderful time.”

The regatta will take place amongst the 144 islets of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s Northland; a sub-tropical playground that has been a home to sailors since the earliest Māori voyagers arrived in New Zealand.

Its headquarters will be in the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel which received New Zealand’s first liquor license in 1840.

“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said Marcus Blackmore in 2018, owner of the year’s champion Ammonite.

The notice of race was released earlier this year by the organising authority; the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee and the New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. under the auspices of the Russell Boating Club, and can be found on the

The eleventh edition of the NZ Millennium Cup has ended and 28-metre ketch, Tawera has won the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta.

“There’s a special feel to this regatta,” said race officer of the day, Harold Bennett. “The amazing sense of togetherness, the way the competitors get working together and complement each other - it’s the Corinthian way of our sport. The racing’s been really good - and I’m impressed with the help of both Bruno Finzi and Zoran Grubisa of the ORC on the handicapping side. We’re looking at modifications and changes for next year but we’re really happy with where this is heading.”

“All the tacticians and crew were perfect,” added rating system ORC’s chairman Bruno Finzi.
“I thank the boats for hosting me onboard through the week. We learned a lot from you and I hope next year we come back with something even better.”

The last day of the Cup challenged competitors, with light airs delaying the start of racing for close to two hours. As a result, one race was scheduled rather than the planned two but with cloud and wind building over the bay, a start was announced at 12.50pm and the fleet was off and racing.

Running ahead of the building cloud and a flock of curious shearwaters, the starting sequence was Tawera, Thalia, Freya and Silvertip.

It was day of steady progress and the sight of big yachts stretched across the Bay of Islands, interspersed with local fishermen enjoying the spectacle.

Freya stretched out her own, but not for long. The local dolphin pod joined her and she made a very tidy rounding of the Orams Marine Mark with Tawera far out to port behind her, but also in company; the photographer’s helicopter lurking low behind her. Silvertip was ahead of her and taking a close line to the mark for another smooth rounding.

Tawera followed suit, with the bowman in a white sarong applauded by the spectator boats.

The classic, graceful lines of Vitters’ build Thalia was next - taking a wide line around the mark and casting a strong silhouette against one of the empty, white sand beaches of the Bay of Islands.

From there it was off to the Nine Pin and home, but there was no stopping Tawera’s run and she was crowned as the 2019 winner of the NZ Millennium Cup.
​
At the prizegiving later in the evening at the Duke of Marlborough, Freya’s owner summed up the feel of the regatta.
"It’s fantastic to come to this beautiful place, in this beautiful country, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’d like to say thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful, wonderful time.”

Racing continues on day two, Boat International Race Day at the NZ Millennium Cup regatta with challenging conditions, a time penalty and then victory for one vessel in an unexpected arena.
​
On a day that started with light air and ended with a battle for a rum barrel, the second day of the NZ Millennium Cup was a perfect example of varied New Zealand racing.

After a delayed start while the fleet waited for the breeze to build, the signals were raised and Tawera was first off the rank - heading straight across the bay for Tapeka Point before taking a starboard line as she left the mouth of the bay .

As Thalia followed her tack, the light air took a toll and the big 48-metre ketch was slow but steady as she worked to pick up pace, pointing higher than Tawera.
In contrast, Freya behind her looked limber and quickly gained ground as they moved further out into the Bay of Islands. Silvertip was scheduled last to start and made her own path, turning to starboard immediately off the line contrary to the rest of the fleet.

At the head of the pack, Freya emerged at the lead as she tacked followed by Tawera - likewise Silvertip had overhauled the big ketch, Thalia, as they left the mouth of the bay
A soft patch on the stretch to the Orams Marine Mark promised a challenge and the lack of breeze paid a toll on Thalia and Tawera; both had fallen to the back of the pack, while the  the two sloops were in front but likewise affected by lack of wind.

Freya made a smooth tack leading into the mark, skilfully avoiding a fisherman’s longline for a perfect rounding before she was off toward the Nine Pin. Then it was Silvertip. Cool, calm and collected, she performed a beautiful tack right on the mark.

Tawera followed suit, coming even closer, while Thalia took an unfortunate windshift on approach, recovered well and rounded strongly. The wind was also strengthening and sped the fleet on its way to the Nine Pin and then home. On corrected time it was Tawera in first place, followed by Freya, Thalia - with a time penalty of five minutes four seconds for crossing the start line early - and then Silvertip.

The second race of the day got underway soon afterwards and the short course and strengthening conditions were enough to see a change on the scoresheet. It was Freya around the Orams Marine Mark first again - making the team onboard the Riviera mark nervous as she headed straight for them before a perfect rounding and hoist. Silvertip took the same line while just behind her Tawera executed a similarly tidy hoist.

It was Tawera and Freya again in first and second place as the second race of the day drew to a close, but this time Silvertip held on to a comfortable third place.

But it wasn’t the last competition of the day. The Tawera Rum Barrel Challenge was back for its second year running. Tawera’s owners, Mike and Tracey Mahoney brought six skiffs with them to the regatta and challenged the crew of their competitors to a rowing skiff race off Russell’s village beach.

The competition was simple but the execution was not. Four rowers and a coxswain were to race the skiffs up to a buoy, round it, and race back to the beach. The fastest would be awarded the 20 litre Tawera keg of Mount Gay Rum.

There were dropped oars, dropped rowers, ungainly dismounts and exceptional turns of speed though in the final heat it was Thalia which shone. Ultimately claiming the prize, the winning team in red were happy to share some of their bounty with their less lucky competitors.

Racing continues on Saturday morning New Zealand time when NZ Marine Race Day will get underway.

​Day one of the first superyacht regatta of the year was raced in beautiful conditions and moderate breeze at the NZ Millennium Cup regatta today. With the first boat away at 11am, the fleet started off Tapeka Point with three minutes between each vessel on a course which would take them up the Bay to the Orams Marine Mark. 

Former winner, Tawera was first to start with Thalia following three minutes afterwards. Both crossed the start line a few seconds after their respective starts, while Sassafras behind them stormed over the line right on the blast of her starting horn. 

Freya achieved a tidy start and with Silvertip following suit, the NZ Millennium Cup 2019 was underway. The two ketches, Thalia and Tawera, took a lower line to the mark, heading out towards the iconic Nine Pin while the sloops took a higher approach. But it was Freya around the Orams Mark first, followed by Sassafras before Tawera followed suit, pursued closely by the media helicopter. 

Silvertip tacked twice, beating Thalia to the mark by around a minute, though the big ketch slowed on rounding. It soon became evident why. As she turned down the Bay and for home, a crew member could be seen making a quick trip up the rig. A kite went up but came down again and the 48.4metre was forced to slow on the second and final leg of the race. 

Ahead, Tawera had taken a starboard line and hit a patch of light air approaching Tapeka Point. The size of Silvertip’s kite showed as she chased Sassafras and Freya downhill though it was Freya across the finish line first as the drama unfolded behind her. Silvertip and Sassafras locked in to battle. Neck and neck, it looked like Silvertip would take the edge, but she hit a patch of soft air and it was Sassafras who won their duel to cross in the lead. Freya could be seen polishing her transom nameplate as race management announced corrected time results. It was Tawera first, then Freya, with Sassafras just eight seconds behind her. However it was to be the last race of the day for Sassafras. The 34metre Royal Huisman was forced to withdraw from the regatta when technical troubles hit. 

The second race of the day was designed to challenge over a course of 26nm. The starting order stayed the same and it was Freya home first again, though this time Silvertip came across the line behind her with plenty of space to breathe. It was mighty Thalia who won on corrected time though, in a drastic reversal of fortune after her first race and spectators thrilled to see the big ketch thundering across the finish line. 

As the Orams Marine Race Day drew to a close, owners, crew and sponsors gathered in the Duke of Marlborough. Famed New Zealand yachting broadcaster Peter Montgomery was on hand to announce the winners of the day and it was Tawera and Freya tied for first, followed by Thalia and Silvertip on corrected scores for the evening. 

Sassafras’ owners received a rousing cheer as they calmly announced that though they might have been forced to withdraw, they were confident they could win Friday’s Tawera Rum Barrel Skiff race. Then it was on to the festivities as sponsors Scapegrace Gin and Mount Gay rum flowed and the tales and ribbing between competitors followed suit. 

Racing continues on Friday morning New Zealand time when Boating International Race Day will get underway. 

From the first country in the world to see the sun each day, comes the first superyacht regatta of 2019, which kicks off 30 January. 

At the top of the North Island of New Zealand lies what is referred to as one of the world’s great natural playgrounds. The Bay of Islands is formed of 144 islets and, from 30 January to 2 February, it will host a fleet of superyachts racing through its emerald waters and tearing  around its sand-fringed shores.

A series of courses will display the cruising ground to its best advantage while giving some of New Zealand’s best sailors a chance to show off their home turf, as rockstar international race crew fly in for the competition.

“Doyle Sails New Zealand is especially looking forward to this year’s NZ Millennium Cup under the ORC Superyacht Rule (ORCsy). It’s always been such a pleasure to be a part of this world-class regatta and now it will be recognised under a world-class rating system,” says Doyle Sails’ Mike Sanderson, former winner of the ISAF Sailor of the Year Award. 

The ORC Superyacht Rule promises exceptionally close racing, with ORC officials joining the race-management team on the water and courses designed for race excitement.

​"Short courses with three start options along with one long course promise to provide variety as the regatta progresses, and gives race management flexibility to work with New Zealand’s changeable conditions to create fierce, fun racing,” says NZ Millennium Cup Race Officer of the Day, Harold Bennett. 

The Cup is in its 11th edition this year, and was first raced as an adjunct to the 30th America’s Cup in Auckland. Now, with the 36th America’s Cup approaching, organisers have been excited to see an increase of interest both in the regatta and in New Zealand’s wider cruising  grounds.

With America’s Cup racing returning, they’re expecting to see a number of visiting spectator yachts enter the NZ Millennium Cup, pushing fleet numbers to an estimated 50 or more.

“We’re pleased to welcome back our long time supporters, Sassafras, Tawera and Silvertip as well as new entry Freya and returning entry Thalia. They’re very evenly matched so we’re looking forward to an epic showdown, says Cup organiser, Stacey Cook.

Royal Huisman-built Sassafras cuts an elegant figure on the Bay of Islands waters and is much-loved for her grace around the course.

“Being a regular visitor to the Bay of Islands makes the NZ Millennium Cup a great way to enhance our time in this stunning part of New Zealand,” says Sassafras Captain Tim Michalick. 

"We have raced the NZ Millennium Cup multiple times with Silvertip since its first edition in 2000, and won it twice. It is always a special event which deserves much more success. Racing in the Bay of Islands surrounded by a dolphin pod playing at the bow is always a treat, the organisation is flawless, the scenery second to none and the racing quite competitive. Any superyacht cruising in the Pacific should make a point doing the NZ Millennium Cup, says the owner of 33.8metre entry, Silvertip. 

Competing since 2016, Tawera and her owners and crew have become favourite figures on the course with their all-in approach to racing coupled with a sense of camaraderie, fun and inclusiveness that has helped shaped the regatta to what it is today. Tawera is a two-time winner of the Cup and will be going into racing keen to regain her title. 

New entry Freya was completed in 2012 and was the 2000th Swan to be built. Freya is a high-performance yacht used for both competitive racing and extended cruising and has exhibited strong performance in previous regatta appearances, including in the Rolex Swan Cup, the Palma Superyacht Cup and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. 

This year will also see the NZ Millennium Cup welcome back an old friend in S/Y Thalia, which last competed in the regatta in 2009. At 48.4metres, the Vitters-built and Ron Holland-designed ketch will be a graceful silhouette on the Bay of Islands courses and, having recently undergone a refit with Orams Marine, she's fighting fit and ready to race.

Clean regatta. 
On-water the racing will be relentless, but the regatta is proud to announce it has become a certified Clean Regatta to ensure it’s gentle on the environment. That means no single use plastic, minimised paper waste, stringent recycling and a number of other initiatives.

“Our beautiful environment and natural heritage play a huge part in what makes the Cup so special and it was a no-brainer to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect this spectacular part of the world. From reusable metal water bottles for every yacht, to banning single use plastic, we feel very positive about becoming a Clean Regatta,” says organiser Stacey Cook.

App 
An app - find it at nzmillenniumcup.teamapp.com - has been added to help overseas spectators keep up with events and ensure yachts are instantly informed of updates or race changes.

Change of dates
The regatta dates have been moved back by one week to see it run one week after local regatta, Bay of Islands Sailing Week, giving organisers space to add new and challenging courses.

The regatta’s future
“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said 2018 New Zealand Millennium Cup winner Marcus Blackmore, owner of Ammonite as he accepted his prize in January last year.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup attracts yachts with a penchant for adventure and is lauded by entries for the sense of camaraderie found in this part of the world - part of the draw for yachts already lining up to be involved in years to come. “We’re already receiving entry enquiries; for 2020 and 2021,” says event organiser, Stacey Cook.

“The J Class Association has also accepted our invitation to race in 2021 and we know having the strikingly-elegant classic yachts race alongside the NZ Millennium Cup will add an extra dimension to our racing.”

“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said 2018 New Zealand Millennium Cup winner Marcus Blackmore, owner of Ammonite as he accepted his prize in January this year.

With the release of the regatta’s notice of race today and expressions of interest from new and repeat competitors, 2019’s edition will aim to introduce other yacht owners to this very special part of the world. The NZ Millennium Cup Regatta will be raced in Northland’s Bay of Islands; one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, from 30 January to 2 February 2019.

Regatta organisers have announced changes to the regatta’s format in order to give it the space needed to expand in anticipation of entry increases in the years leading to the 36th America’s Cup. The regatta dates have been moved back by one week while new and challenging courses have been introduced.

“Having been involved with most other superyacht regattas globally, I can honestly say that the 2018 Millennium Cup was the most enjoyable event I’ve ever done,” said captain of this year’s entry, S/Y Sassafras, Tim Michalick.

The organisation of the racing and evening events was second to none. We thoroughly look forward to taking part again.” Former America's Cup principle race officer, Harold Bennett will return to lead the race committee with inventor of the ISYR rule, Jim Teeters handicapping the event.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup attracts yachts with a penchant for adventure and was first run as an accompaniment to the 2000 America’s Cup in Auckland. With the 36th America’s Cup headed to New Zealand in 2021, organisers are predicting rapid growth of the regatta fleet over the next three years.

“We’re already receiving entry enquiries; not just for 2019, but 2020 and 2021,” says event organiser, Stacey Cook.

“The J Class Association has also accepted our invitation to race in 2021 and we know having the strikingly-elegant classic yachts race alongside the NZ Millennium Cup will add an extra dimension to our racing.”

The NZ Millennium Cup 2019 will be raced in the beautiful Bay of Islands from 30 January to  2 February. It’s the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta and is becoming well-known as a must-do event for yacht owners who like to get off the beaten track.

The regatta is designed to highlight the importance of the superyacht sector in New Zealand’s marine industry, as well as showcase some of the country’s most visually-striking cruising grounds in a truly enjoyable manner.

With the approach of the 36th America’s Cup, organisers expect to see the competing fleet swell exponentially over the next three years.

The Organising Authority is the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee and the New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. under the auspices of the Russell Boating Club.