The team at Breed Media is well-known for market-leading superyacht and photography work, and we're proud to have them onboard as the regatta's photographers and videographers. 

There is another side to their work however, and it's one they love; discovering and communicating the uniqueness of companies and individuals.  

"We were recently approached by Adam Lay, founder of the award winning Adam Lay Studio. Adam wished to communicate both who he is and what his approach to design is. Having a very organic and artistic design process, it was important to Adam to highlight his point of difference – this being his unique artisan and relationship-driven approach to design," says Breed Media client strategy manager, Tim Kershaw. 

​It's been a busy first half of the year for long-time supporter of the NZ Millennium Cup, Smuggler Marine. 

A growing number of superyachts around the globe have Smuggler tenders gracing their decks, and garages. Working with clients like S/Y Mondango, S/Y Janice of Wyoming, M/Y Diamond A and S/Y Imagine as well as yards and designers, captains and crew direct, the west Auckland-based company has established a reputation for excellent service, outstanding quality, on-time delivery and unparalleled confidence in product, with many customers coming back time and again. Feedback and reviews from clients and captains has always been glowing, which has translated to more Smuggler tenders on more superyacht decks. The world has become a very small place with the way we now communicate and move freight around the world, buying a tender from the other side of the world is now effortless.

Product news 
The latest release is the Smuggler Strata 780 SS. Based on the incredibly well proven Strata 750 platform, the 780 SS is a bow rider-style RIB. Interior layout includes two side consoles, allowing for a walk -through screen to access the generous, protected, forward lounge area. With substantial cockpit space and luxurious seating options both forward and aft of the curved windscreen, the interior gives plenty of scope for customisation. The lower profile and sleek lines of the 780 have been styled for owners who appreciate performance and flexibility, while maintaining quality and understated class.

Another of our new tenders is the Smuggler 740SYT. Featuring a low deck profile, generous guest seating area and uncompromising quality, the 740SYT combines the best fixtures and fittings with streamlined elegance and simplicity. The first one was shipped to its new owners in UAE in June 2017, the owners had considerable input into the design layout and the result was stunning. 

Staff news
Smuggler Marine directors David and Pauline Pringle have recently appointed two key people to help run production and drive sales. Ash Weeks, who recently returned from overseas working on superyachts and is a qualified boat builder, has taken on the role of marketing and production.

Logan Pringle, a qualified builder, has an extensive background in boating having won the NZ national Thundercat racing champion title more than once. Logan has been around Smuggler Marine since he could walk, having helped at many boat shows over the years. Now working full-time, Logan is taking an active role in sales as well as looking after some of the more technical areas of production.

New facilities
Recently Smuggler Marine opened a showroom warehouse where all new boats are housed. This facility is next door to the manufacturing facility, meaning clients are able to see boats under construction, as well as the finished product in a warm dry showroom when they come for a visit. "We encourage owners to be present throughout the build process and welcome visits to check progress. For our overseas clients, we send regular shots to show milestones and record progress."

About Smuggler Marine 
Smuggler Marine is a boutique boat building business based in west Auckland, New Zealand,  and dating back to 1986. Smuggler builds and sells a wide range of fibreglass tenders and family cruisers from 4.5 to 11.5 metres. factory direct. Our in-house design team and ability to custom-finish tenders gives owners, captains and crew unique choice and control to spec and build a craft that suits their individual requirements. 

The South Pacific offers something of tangible value to charter yachts – an exciting, relatively untouched and very desirable location to add to their marketing mix. Here we profile developments in the South Pacific superyacht industry helping yachts achieve their cruising goals. 

Read the latest news from the South Pacific here, including a story on the world's most southerly superyacht regatta - us! 

Tawera, impeccably sailed, again dominated a lengthier 27nm course on day three of racing, taking line honours for a third consecutive day and bringing home the NZ Millennium Cup 2017.
 
Assured of generous sunshine, blue skies and the promise of good winds, the race committee selected a lengthier 27nm course that would see competitors round the extremity of the Nine Pin twice and flit past both Motuterakihi Island and Whale Rock.
 
Coming into the final day of racing, Pacific Division competitors, Antaeus and Steinlager 2, were tied on points. Rumours of an extensive tactical defence strategy to retain the Pacific Cup emerged from Steinlager 2’s camp after the skippers briefing.
 
With an even tighter handicap than the day prior in place for the Mark Foy start, Tawera and Antaeus, again nailed faultless starts – an underlined statement of the race to come.
 
The honour of best start in the series, reserved for the final day’s racing as confirmed by the race committee’s Dennis Corbett, was, however, Cavallo’s. Galloping over the start within a half second of the gunshot, it was clear to see the starting practice runs she had committed to over the week had paid dividends.     
 
Silvertip then Farfalla, gave chase – both harnessing the wind to drive out into the mouth of the Bay.
 
Racing on the day was marked by a thrilling series of combative boat-to-boat tacking duels spread out across the Bay. 
 
Approaching the Nine Pin, a bout of jousting between Silvertip and Cavallo left spectators white-knuckled. Both on a starboard tack with Cavallo to weather, the VHF crackled to life as Silvertip’s skipper, Blair MacLeod, called out to Cavallo to give room in order to avoid the glittering grey hull running aground on the craggy rocks of the headlands. Giving a hair’s breadth of room, Cavallo tacked first to round the Nine Pin, pushing Silvertip to the outer lane as they passed the iconic landmark. As they stormed out to Red Head Bouy, Antaeus passed them returning to the Nine Pin after successfully rounding Red Head, holding a lead on Steinlager 2 that still reflected the approximate 20 minute starting handicap.
 
Just as Silvertip surged in front of Cavallo, a sudden burst of colour punctuated the skyline as Cavallo’s red, white and blue kite broke into two.
 
Another fiercely contested tacking match between Pumula and Janice of Wyoming took place and later Pumula was pulled in by Farfalla approaching Motuterakihi Buoy.
 
But no kind wind in favour of the remaining fleet could foil Tawera in her pursuit of line honours and ultimately series win of the NZ Millennium Cup nor Antaeus in taking out line honours and series win of the Pacific Cup.
 
At the prizegiving held in the evening at the historic Duke of Marlborough, famous for entertaining rascals and reprobates since 1827, Antaeus’ part-owner, Charles St. Clair Brown, commented, “the wind gods were kind to us, and Steinlager 2 were especially gracious in letting us slip away”.  
 
Janice of Wyoming took second place in the last race, securing the prestigious second place in the NZ Millennium Cup, with Farfalla third in the last race also securing third in the overall series.
 
Platinum sponsor Orams Marine’s managing director, Craig Park, took the dais and thanked long-term competitors, Antaeus, Steinlager 2, Silvertip and Janice of Wyoming, while New Zealand’s greatest yachting ambassador, Peter Montgomery (MBE) took the opportunity to thank the visiting yachts for their contribution to another excellent edition of the NZ Millennium Cup, the third held in the beautiful Bay of Islands. To crown the proceedings, competitors toasted world-renowned designer Ron Holland, technical advisor aboard Holland-designed Tawera, in advance of his 70th birthday.
 
As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in Asia Pacific, the NZ Millennium Cup has welcomed a number of sponsors on board, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings – Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Tourism NZ, Propspeed, Holton Marine, Robinson Interiors, McMullen & Wing, Power Equipment, Q-West and Lancer Industries. We also extend our thanks to suppliers, Rogue Society, East Imperial, and Mount Gay Rum, alongside our media partners Superyacht World and Ocean Media.

​Dominating an exciting 21nm short course that saw competitors round the Nine Pin twice and wind changes challenge seasoned tacticians, Tawera has again taken line honours
 
Crossing the line 11 minutes in advance of her closest challenger, the Pacific Division’s Antaeus, Tawera commanded racing on NZ Marine Race Day of the 2017 New Zealand Millennium Cup.
 
“With a healthy ten knot southerly at the start, but forecast to swing around 180degrees to the north, today was always going to be testing for the tacticians and helmsmen,” said Peter Busfield, CEO NZ Marine Export Group.
 
That southerly wind, an outgoing tide and a 300metre wind shadow in the lee of a looming cruise liner anchored 200-metres from the start line, presented a unique set of conditions that allowed no margin for error.
 
First and second over the Mark Foy start, Tawera and Antaeus, set the tone of their race as they reached past the committee boat hoisting their spinnakers for faultless starts. Their dual finishes of first place in their respective divisions, the NZ Millennium Cup and Pacific Cup, was a credit to the tactical nous of the skilled sailors onboard.
 
Third over the start, Pumula, fell foul of the wind shadow, languishing on the start line. Seeing an opportunity, Janice of Wyoming deftly slipped around her windward side and bucked forward – stealing any remaining wind Pumula may have had. Cowboy gennaker unfurling, Janice of Wyoming strode out in front.
 
Starting within three minutes of one another, Silvertip, Cavallo and Farfalla nailed starting manoeuvres that saw each hoist their spinnakers as they crossed the starting line. Grappling against one another for an early advantage, intense match racing ensued between Tapeka Point and Roberton Island.
 
Flitting across the water in a series of artful moves befitting her name, Farfalla (‘Butterfly’) edged past Silvertip to windward and Cavallo to leeward, gaining buoy room at the Orams Marine mark.
 
Striking out toward the craggily majestic Nine Pin from the mark, Cavallo showed her speed and overtook Silvertip.
 
As a helicopter buzzed around the great rock, schools of Trevally, Kawhai and Mao Mao dancing on the surface, the wind suddenly emptied from the mouth of the Bay. Farfalla, Cavallo, Silvertip and Pumula, two minutes between them, fought through an area of little breeze. Janice of Wyoming wasn’t safe either, becalmed with the four yachts closing in behind her, while ahead Steinlager 2 approached the next mark, already rounded by Antaeus and Tawera out in front.
 
New entrants in 2017, Farfalla and classically-elegant Pumula, benefitting from a new whisper of wind, closed in on Janice of Wyoming, passing the seasoned campaigner as they moved toward Motuterakihi Island Buoy.
 
As the glassy water shifted, and white caps began to appear from the building northerly seabreeze, Tawera, hull newly painted white, could be seen glistening in the distance, as well as Antaeus’ distinctive red kite looming closely behind her. Having already rounded the Nine Pin for the second time, they were on the home straight.  
 
Harnessing the change in conditions, America’s Cup campaigner and Silvertip’s tactician Tom Schnackenberg guided her from last position to second, leading a radically reordered following fleet comprised of Farfalla, Cavallo, Pumula and Janice of Wyoming.
 
Farfalla gained buoy room on Cavallo at the Motuterakihi buoy, only to lose her lead on the larger yacht as Cavallo took the inside track immediately past the buoy. However, going into the Nine Pin for the last time, Farfalla overtook Cavallo once more.
 
In a close duel, Farfalla, biting at Silvertip’s tail, was kept in check on the home run by way of an aggressive defence strategy, until a decision by Silvertip to split gybes saw Farfalla gain the lead when they met again. Farfalla cinched second place in the Millennium Cup division, closely followed over the line by Silvertip, and Steinlager 2 in the Pacific Cup division.
 
Cavallo finished sixth ahead of Janice of Wyoming, who overhauled Pumula in the race for the finish.
 
The battle for the Pacific Cup is now tied between Antaeus and Steinlager 2 ,as they go into day three of the regatta.
 
As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in Asia Pacific, the NZ Millennium Cup has welcomed a number of sponsors on board, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings – Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Tourism NZ, Propspeed, Holton Marine, Robinson Interiors, McMullen & Wing, Power Equipment, Q-West and Lancer Industries. We also extend our thanks to suppliers, Rogue Society, East Imperial, and Mount Gay Rum, alongside our media sponsors Superyacht World and Ocean Media. 

The first day of the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta, saw Tawera take line honours, on a bright, breezy day of racing.
 
Reigning champion, Tawera, crossed the line first today on the Orams Marine Race Day of the 2017 New Zealand Millennium Cup.

The 28-metre ketch secured her win with New Zealand sailing icon, Chris Dickson, and her designer Ron Holland onboard, giving owner and experienced helmsman Mike
Mahoney the tactical edge.
 
Handicapped to International Superyacht Rule (ISYR) by Jim Teeters, Tawera’s Mark Foy starting position saw her followed by 37-metre Pumula and then returning campaigner Janice of Wyoming; who stormed between two visiting cruise ships before crossing the start with dolphins leaping across her bow.

The Bay of islands has become Silvertip’s hunting ground, and hunt she did; crossing the start smoothly and setting off in pursuit of the three yachts in front of her. In pursuit of her were Farfalla and Cavallo; rated by the handicap as the fastest yachts in the fleet.

“What else could we ask for,” said North Sails’, Richard Bicknell, sailing on Janice of Wyoming. “It was perfect. Once the breeze kicked in we had up to 17 knots of breeze at times - it was great racing.”
 
Rounding the Orams Marine buoy, 43-metre Cavallo showed a quick turn of speed as she closed on Farfalla and Silvertip down to the next mark.

Silvertip took an inside line while Farfalla tacked to seaward as they headed for the Nine Pin. Approaching the mark, there was little between them, with a daring manoeuvre from Silvertip seeing her cut sharply in to the landmark. However it was Farfalla who carried the breeze and emerged in the lead as they pulled away from the Nine Pin.

Farfalla successfully covered Silvertip to the Motuterakihi buoy in a close duel.

“The breeze was a lot stiffer than forecasted and it made for some great racing. It was fantastic to see the race between Farfalla and Silvertip,” says Orams Marine’s Craig Park, who’s looking forward to seeing individual yachts use the changing conditions to their advantage with lighter breeze forecast throughout the rest of the week.
 
Out in front, Tawera was rounding the Red Head and heading for the Orams Marine buoy for the final time, with Janice of Wyoming’s distinctive bucking bronco gennaker visible on the horizon as she pursued her fellow returning campaigner.

Pumula was crossing the Bay towards the Red Head with Janice of Wyoming in her sights, and flanked by the Pacific Division’s Steinlager 2.

Onboard Pumula, Doyle Sails New Zealand’s, Matt Bridge was racing as technician. “The day went really well, we got lucky with the downwind legs. The wind shifted to a higher angle than we’d seen in the morning, which meant that not having a spinnaker wasn’t such a disadvantage to us.”

With Tawera already around the final mark and heading for home, the fleet was dotted across the Bay behind her. Pumula led Farfalla, Silvertip and Cavallo back from the Orams Marine buoy to the final mark. Janice was already rounding the mark, letting that distinctive gennaker fly again, while Antaeus led her Pacific Division-mate, Steinlager 2 around the mark.

Janice of Wyoming made up time on the last leg, but she couldn’t quite catch Tawera who crossed the finish two boat lengths ahead. Behind Janice came Steinlager 2, having overhauled Antaeus to come home first in the Pacific Division. Pumula was third across the line in the Millennium Cup, beating Farfalla by seconds, before Silvertip and Cavallo came thundering home.

“It was a classic Bay of Islands day - dolphins in the bow wave, and a breeze of between seven to 17 knots from the northwest providing passing lane opportunities for articulate technicians as they navigated around the course,” says Peter Busfield, CEO of the NZ Marine Export Group.

As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in Asia Pacific, the NZ Millennium Cup has welcomed a number of sponsors on board, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings – Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Tourism NZ, Propspeed, Holton Marine, Robinson Interiors, McMullen & Wing, Power Equipment, Q-West and Lancer Industries. We also extend our thanks to suppliers, Rogue Society, East Imperial, and Mount Gay Rum, alongside our media sponsors Superyacht World and Ocean Media. 

The South Pacific’s premier regatta is officially underway, marked by a welcome function hosting owners, crew and sponsors of the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta.
 
The 2017 New Zealand Millennium Cup was officially declared open this evening, 24 January, with a welcome function kicking off festivities.
 
With sailing icon Peter Montgomery’s well-known voice drawing the fleet into the historic waterside town of Russell, owners, captains, crew and industry came to celebrate the start of the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta.

The regatta, staged by the NZ Marine Export Group, is held in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands; one of the world’s great natural playgrounds. The fleet was welcomed to the regatta at the Duke of Marlborough; renowned for entertaining adventurers, reprobates and rascals since the birth of the modern New Zealand nation.
 
From 24 to 27 January, eight yachts will battle it out in the beautiful surrounds, through challenging courses that make the most of the stunning scenery, and amidst over 100 TP52’s and sports boats competing in Bay of Islands Sailing Week. The ninth NZ Millennium Cup will see repeat campaigners face off against new entries in the race for the title.
 
40-metre Janice of Wyoming, returns to the Cup for the sixth time, with the Ed Dubois design’s familiarity with New Zealand waters, and her fiercely competitive crew making her one to watch on the water.
 
Her fellow Alloy Yachts build, and 2016 winner, Tawera (ex Catalyst) will again join the fleet, with owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney set to defend the title as she returns to the fleet for the second time. This year she will race with her designer, Ron Holland, aboard her.
 
Silvertip cuts a recognisable figure on the course. Built by gold sponsor Yachting Developments, her shark-like ability to hunt down her competition after a Mark Foy start is legendary among spectators.

The three new entries of Pumula, Cavallo and Farfalla won’t make it easy on the experienced campaigners though. The name of 37-metre Pumula, may mean rest in Zulu, but the Royal Huisman is sure to show a strong turn of speed on the course.

Southern Wind’s Farfalla, at 31.78metres, is a yacht built for performance which will cut a sleek figure amongst the boats on the Bay, while high speed, carbon performance yacht, 43-metre Cavallo, is sure to thrill spectators.

New Zealand legend, Steinlager 2, is set to thrill local crowds, as she races around the course in top condition after her extensive 2014 refit with gold sponsor, Yachting Developments. Joining her in the Pacific Division is returning 2015 entry; Antaeus. She, along with Steinlager 2, will have a wardrobe of Doyle New Zealand sails to see her around the course.
 
As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in the growing Asia Pacific market, the NZ Millennium Cup has welcomed a number of sponsors on board, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings – Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Tourism NZ, Propspeed, Holton Marine, Robinson Interiors, McMullen & Wing, Power Equipment, Q-West and Lancer Industries. We also extend our thanks to suppliers, Rogue Society, East Imperial, and Mount Gay Rum, alongside our media sponsors Superyacht World and Ocean Media.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup kicks off on 24 January, with a fleet raring to race in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds.
 
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands will next week play host to a fleet of adventurous superyachts gathering to race in the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta.
 
From 24 to 27 of January, eight yachts will battle it out in the beautiful Bay of Islands, across challenging courses which weave through a cruising ground of uninhabited islets and emerald waters. The ninth NZ Millennium Cup will see repeat campaigners face off against new entries in the race for the title.
 
2016 winner, Tawera (ex Catalyst) will again join the fleet, with owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney ready to race hard to keep the title belonging to their 28-metre, Alloy Yachts build.
 
Fellow Alloy Yachts build, 40-metre Janice of Wyoming, knows the Millennium Cup well, competing in the last five regattas. The Ed Dubois design launched in 2005 and has sailed all over the globe, but her familiarity with New Zealand waters, her Cup experience, and her fiercely competitive crew mean she’s one to watch on the water.
 
Built by gold sponsor Yachting Developments, 33.8metre Silvertip is a stunning high-performance sloop launched in 2002 to much fanfare – winning both the International Superyacht Society award and the Showboats Design Award for Best Sailing Yacht upon her launch.
 
The three new entries of Pumula, Cavallo and Farfalla won’t make it easy on the experienced campaigners though. The name of 37-metre Pumula, may mean rest in Zulu, but the Royal Huisman is sure to show a strong turn of speed on the course.

Southern Wind’s Farfalla, at 31.78metres, is a yacht built for performance which will cut a sleek figure amongst the boats on the Bay, while high speed, carbon performance yacht, 43-metre Cavallo, is sure to thrill spectators.

New Zealand legend, Steinlager 2, is set to thrill local crowds, as she races around the course in top condition after her extensive 2014 refit with gold sponsor, Yachting Developments.

Joining her in the Pacific Division is returning 2015 entry; Antaeus. The yacht’s owner and crew thoroughly enjoy the chance to support the NZ Marine Export Group, while sailing alongside superyachts in the magnificent Bay of Islands. She, along with Steinlager 2, will have a wardrobe of Doyle New Zealand sails to see her around the course.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a group of dedicated New Zealand superyacht figures. With three days of high quality racing, exceptional hospitality and stunning views in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world, this event is truly unique and a must-see.
 
As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in the growing Asia Pacific market, the NZ Millennium Cup has welcomed a number of sponsors on board, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Tourism NZ, Propspeed, Holton Marine, Robinson Interiors, McMullen & Wing, Power Equipment, Q-West and Lancer Industries. We also extend our thanks to suppliers, Rogue Society, East Imperial, and Mount Gay Rum, alongside our media sponsors Superyacht World and Ocean Media.

Two new superyacht entries have been announced for the NZ Millennium Cup (24-27 January), with local industry members reporting the event leads to direct economic growth for New Zealand. 

Two new superyacht entries, Pumula and Cavallo, have entered the 2017 NZ Millennium Cup. 

Pumula has traversed the world since her launch in 2012, voyaging 52,000nm to the earth’s extremes. The 37m Royal Huisman-build has travelled to far-flung climes, from Spitsbergen to Antarctica, and Cape Horn to Alaska, before setting her sights on New Zealand.

Winner of the World Superyacht Award’s Sailing Yacht of the Year 2013, Pumula is now en-route to New Zealand from Polynesia. 2017 will mark a return to New Zealand’s waters for captain Michael Van Bregt who spent a summer season in Russell 25 years ago, though this will be the owners’ first time in NZ. Pumula’s entry was spurred by a recommendation from another new entrant, Baltic Yachts-built, 42.9-metre Cavallo.

"The owner of Pumula is an acquaintance of the owner of Cavallo and we ran into each other in Polynesia,” says captain Van Bregt. “The owner of Cavallo emphasised the relaxed, social nature of the event." 

Another yacht of an intrepid ilk, Cavallo sailed from the Caribbean in May and spent the season cruising in French Polynesia. She will be available for charter in NZ after the 2017 NZ Millennium Cup in January, and in Fiji from April 2017.

Although it is the first time she will sail the Bay of Islands, the 2017 event will serve as a homecoming for Cavallo’s captain, Jake Reid. 

“I grew up sailing in the Bay of Islands and skippered Thalia in previous NZ Millennium Cup editions,” says Reid.

This home-grown knowledge coupled with the fitting of a new main sail, and a rigging overhaul in New Zealand, will serve as a double threat as Cavallo makes a play for the Cup.

An event steeped in an ethos of giving owners and crew something more when they travel to New Zealand’s unique climes, and an experience beyond that of the normal regatta circuit, the Cup’s reputation has been steadily growing internationally.

“Interest in the NZ Millennium Cup at the recent Monaco Yacht Show was palpable,” says Craig Park of platinum sponsor, Orams Marine.

“It was a pleasure to hear captains reminiscing about the unique spirit of the Cup and their experience of New Zealand - notably 2015 winner Silencio. We are proud to be a part of an event that we can see grow in its new location in the inimitable Bay of Islands.”

“The history of the NZ Millennium Cup was driven by vessels visiting New Zealand for the America’s Cup. NZ Marine saw an opportunity to run an event that showcased our cruising grounds further – an event that encapsulated why the journey was worth the effort,” says Ian Cook of gold sponsor, Yachting Developments. 

The regatta also pays dividends in its impact on New Zealand’s marine businesses as well as the local economy. 
“Along with spectacular racing, the economic injection into our local communities is also very much appreciated,” says Tania McInnes, deputy mayor of the Far North District Council.  

“The Bay of Islands is focused on growing our visitor market. We want our visitors to leave with lifelong memories, having had a thoroughly enjoyable and authentic experience. This event helps showcase the area and all the magic it has to offer."

​That economic injection is something seen both outside the local superyacht industry, and within it.

”The NZ Millennium Cup definitely brings in work for Doyle Sails," says Doyle Sails New Zealand’s superyacht sail co-ordinator Matt Bridge.

"When you compare the experience of two hours in the pressure cooker of a pitch environment, (often within an office rather than out on the water) with the week you spend up in the relaxed Bay of Islands, racing and socialising with our products on display, you can immediately see the benefit the NZ Millennium Cup brings.”

Park agrees.

“We see the NZ Millennium Cup and the natural deadline it sets as an excellent way to sea trial work after going through a refit period. This has been particularly true of Janice of Wyoming, where work we have undertaken has been specifically in preparation for the NZ Millennium Cup.”