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.

The 2018 NZ Millennium Cup has come to a close and Ammonite has taken the series, with former 2016 and 2017 champion Tawera, hot on her heels.

Despite a postponed start due to light airs, entries weren’t complaining as a pod of dolphins swam around the fleet in the mouth of the Bay. A Silvertip crewmember lay stretched along the yacht’s prod with dolphins in the bow wave beneath him rising up for a closer look, as competitors waited for the breeze to build.

“It’s a light air regatta, which makes it very difficult for competitors to find the right places to go and forced them to search for wind,” said ISYR creator and regatta handicapper, Jim Teeters who was onsite in New Zealand for the regatta. “The ones who did that best came out on top.” ​

A changeable wind rose towards midday with racing getting underway at 12.30 for the first of two races to cap the series. That first race saw the fleet on a leg straight down to the Orams Marine mark and back to the finish line off Long Beach.

Sassafras was first to the top mark, tacking on the nose of Tawera and Ammonite, while on the final lay line to the mark, Tawera had to dip Enso.

It was Tawera to the finish line first however, taking the first race of the day and securing a series standing four points behind leaders Ammonite and two ahead of challenger Silvertip.

The second race of the day and sixth of the series started just after 14.30 with the short course to the Orams Marine mark and a finish off Russell, a nod to the changeable light breeze.

Consistent with her strong performance throughout the week, Ammonite rounded the mark first followed by Sassafras, then Tawera, after the Royal Huisman overhauled her on the first leg. Enso followed, then it was Janice of Wyoming around the mark while high drama unfolded behind her - crowd favourite Silvertip was forced to retire due to a mechanical failure.

But there was no stopping Ammonite. The first time entry, representing the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club of Tonga finished the series in the strong style she’d demonstrated all week, taking not only the race, but the NZ Millennium Cup 2018.

“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said Ammonite owner Marcus Blackmore at the prizegiving later that evening.

“Thanks go to all the sponsors and in particular Doyle Sails New Zealand’s Mike Sanderson who helped us understand local conditions,” he continued, going on to say that Ammonite would enjoy defending the title next year if possible.

Peter Montgomery MBE and legend of New Zealand sailing, closed the regatta as it had started - with his unmistakeable tones ringing out over the waters of the Bay of Islands.

Thanking sponsors, organisers and competitors, there was also time to acknowledge the highly skilled race management team; while the increasing number of overseas guests the regatta attracts as word of New Zealand’s cruising grounds spread, looked on.

“The NZ Millennium Cup is a nice environment, in a great locale, with very good competitors, and a very friendly atmosphere,” US-based Teeters said with a smile. “It feels good to be here.”

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 do for adventurous owners.

As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in the growing South Pacific market, the NZ Millennium Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Servcorp.

Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing,  Southern Spars/North Sails, Upholstery Specialists and Martronics EAL

The third and fourth races of the 2018 NZ Millennium Cup showed the competition demonstrated on the first day of racing, with the addition of a series standing shake up.

“It’s another wonderful day in paradise,” race officer Harold Bennet greeted captains, owners and tacticians at the morning’s briefings. “And we’re excited about today’s forecast.”

The former America’s Cup principle race officer presented entries with three course options, ensuring the fierce racing of the day before could be continued in whichever conditions presented themselves with both short and long options for the the afternoon depending on the breeze. That breeze kept things interesting with a variable wind speed coming from N-Ne with some holes spread across the course

For the first race of the day, Tawera and Sassafras started at the same time though on split tack - Sassafras on starboard at the committee boat end, with Tawera on port from the Pin end, having to dip Sassafras on an otherwise even start.

Sassafras upped the beat and won first crossing rights over Tawera. Behind them Enso had a well-timed start and the fleet, except Silvertip, all elected the right hand side at the start of leg one while Silvertip had a perfect start on the left hand side of the course, it didn’t pay the dividends she was looking for.

With a firm rivalry established on day one, Ammonite once again was able to pip Silvertip to the line, followed by Janice of Wyoming, Tawera, Enso and Sassafras.

Race two was the longer course of the day and saw the fleet race from Tapeka Point to the Nine Pin, back to the Orams Marine mark then over to the finish line at Russell. ​

It was Tawera around the Nine Pin first, then Sassafras, Janice of Wyoming, Enso, Ammonite, and Silvertip, with all competitors taking a line as close to the Nine Pin as possible. 

Turning for the Orams Marine mark, a luffing match began between Enso and Ammonite with Enso making it difficult for the Southern Wind-built yacht to pass. But pass she did, rounding the Orams Mark in fourth place with Enso one minute behind her and Silvertip following closely. 

Tawera had held her lead from the Nine Pin and rounded the mark at the head of the fleet, followed by Sassafras two minutes behind her, and Janice of Wyoming three minutes behind the Royal Huisman. 

Leaving the Orams Marine mark behind, Silvertip was flying, and passed Enso on the downwind leg to home. Defying the results of day one though, it was defending champ Tawera who took race four, followed by Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras, Enso, Ammonite and Silvertip.

That leaves the series standings with Ammonite leading and Silvertip hot on her tail, followed by a tied Janice of Wyoming and Tawera, with Enso and Sassafras behind them.

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 do for adventurous owners.

As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in the growing South Pacific market, the NZ Millennium Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Servcorp.
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing,  Southern Spars/North Sails, Upholstery Specialists and Martronics EAL.

Ammonite has shown her stripes on the first day of the NZ Millennium Cup. Over two close races the first time entry made it clear she's here to win, with crew pulling off slick manoeuvres to see her hold onto her lead over Silvertip. 

The first day of the NZ Millennium Cup has come to a close and the bar has been set high for fiercely-competitive racing.

Competitors were finishing within minutes of each other and, while crew pulled off slick manoeuvres to push their yachts to their best performances, it was Ammonite which held out in front to take both of the day’s races.

With bright conditions and a seabreeze expected to make its presence felt come afternoon, the day began with a skipper’s briefing at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell. Race officer Harold Bennett instructed the fleet before ISYR handicapper Jim Teeters took the floor.

The gathered owners, captains and tacticians were introduced to a new concept in superyacht handicap, which gained universal approval from competitors; especially once they saw the close racing which resulted from the system today.

The given handicap for each boat is split; 50 per cent applied to create a staggered start, and the balance added to the finish time. On that basis, the fleet should be grouped together at the halfway stage of the race, and that was proven today.

Out on the water the first start was postponed due to a delay in the NE seabreeze coming in, though that left time for special guests to join the fleet. When first Tawera headed over the line toward the Orams Marine mark, followed by Sassafras, Enso, Janice of Wyoming, Ammonite and Silvertip - they were joined by one of the largest pods of dolphins seen in the regatta’s history.
The quick dash to the Orams Marine mark saw the handicap ratings come into their own with four boats rounding the the mark within three minutes of each other. It was on the other side of the mark however where the tone was being set for the day’s racing; Ammonite held off Silvertip as they headed for the finish line off Long Beach in a gybing duel where Silvertip couldn’t find a lane to pass Ammonite.

Race two was the longer course of the day and Sassafras and Tawera were away first in a light but building breeze. However, that breeze abated for 20 minutes or so, disadvantaging the mid-fleet starters. Silvertip searching for a fresher breeze was the only yacht starting on starboard tack heading to the left hand side of the course, the remainder of the fleet betting on a port tack to the right.

Ammonite was introduced to her first taste of the Nine Pin when she rounded it at the head of the fleet, executing a slick gennaker hoist to mark the occasion as she headed for home.

Sassafras followed just a few minutes behind her, with Silvertip sweeping past the mark a couple of seconds after that as the Bay of Islands Sailing Week TP52 fleet filled the waters around them with a multitude of sails.

Then it was a downwind race to the finish line. The Bay of Islands was dotted with the sight of full sails as the fleet entered its second gybing duel for the day.

It was tight right to the end, but at the line it was Ammonite which bested Silvertip; crossing two minutes and 30 seconds in front of the repeat campaigner.
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 do for adventurous owners.

As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in the growing South Pacific market, the NZ Millennium Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Servcorp.

Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing,  Southern Spars/North Sails, Upholstery Specialists and Martronics EAL.

The world’s most southerly superyacht regatta is officially underway, marked by a welcome function hosting owners, crew and sponsors of the event staged in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.

With the well-known voice of sailing stalwart Peter Montgomery ringing across New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, the first superyacht regatta of 2018 was officially declared open tonight.

Kicking off festivities was a welcome function on the edge of the water where the fleet was formally greeted to the regatta at the Duke of Marlborough; an historic hotel renowned for entertaining sailors since the birth of the modern New Zealand nation. ​

Over the next week, the adventurous yachts of the fleet will race in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, competing on challenging courses which weave around some of the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands.

“We’re seeing more and more yachts putting the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta on their bucket list. As we welcomed our fleet this evening, the buzz in the air was palpable and we’re looking forward to seeing that grow in coming years as more vessels commit themselves to the challenge,” says organiser, Stacey Cook.

Superyacht visits to New Zealand are slated to steadily increase as the sailing nation builds towards hosting the America’s Cup in 2021, with that growing number set to bolster the NZ Millennium Cup fleet. The regatta is intrinsically linked to the America’s Cup - the first edition of the NZ Millennium Cup was raced in 2000 alongside the 30th America’s Cup in Auckland which saw the largest ever fleet of superyachts to visit New Zealand shores.

With the sun sinking into the water beyond Russell, guests were treated to Mount Gay Black Doris Plum cocktails, Allan Scott Wines and Rogue Society gin while they compared tales of past glory and future feats.
Competition is always fierce amongst the yachts which reach the regatta in this special part of the world; and 2018’s edition gives them an extra opportunity to flex their muscle.

Entry Tawera has brought six rowing skiffs to the regatta and will be challenging crew of other yachts to a race in the boats off Russell’s beach with the grand prize, a 20 litre keg of Mount Gay Rum. With the highly competitive nature of the entries, spectators are expecting this smaller race to have all the ferocity to be exhibited on the main course.

The regatta begins in earnest tomorrow with two races expected to take place in order to make the most of the conditions. Entries Silvertip, Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras, Tawera, Enso and Ammonite will be taking to the course from 11am, working to a 50% handicap system to ensure close racing.
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 do for adventurous owners

As a focal point for both the local industry and for the global brands looking for more exposure in the growing market, the NZ Millennium Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Bay of Islands Marina, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Servcorp.

Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing,  Southern Spars/North Sails, Upholstery Specialists and Martronics EAL