The world’s most southerly superyacht regatta has released its 2018 notice of race. 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.

2018’s edition will be raced in New Zealand’s subtropical playground of the Bay of Islands from 23 - 26 January and is already drawing in entries from across the Pacific. With the next America’s Cup series likely to be raced in Auckland, NZ Millennium Cup organisers are expecting to see a quick uptick in entries over the next four years as increasing numbers of yachts discover the delights of Pacific cruising.

First time entrant, Ammonite will make her way to the regatta from Tonga. The Southern Wind-built yacht is a member of the Royal Namuka Yacht Club in Tonga and will be carrying the club’s founder - renowned adventurer Don McIntyre, when she races in the Cup.

“We will have a crack crew assembled for the Cup including Olympians Matt Belcher and Will Ryan; who are current 470 World champions. We are still learning about the yacht after only three regattas, and we are keen to do well and really looking forward to being in the Bay of Islands,” said Ammonite owner, Marcus Blackmore.

Ammonite will be joined by 2017 entrants, Tawera, Janice of Wyoming and Silvertip, alongside Royal Huisman-built Sassafras. Silvertip cuts a regular, sleek figure on Millennium Cup courses and her owner is looking forward to returning to the race in 2018. 

"We have raced the 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 of doing the Mill Cup,” said the 34-metre’s owner.

This year’s Cup will be raced under the auspices of Russell Boating Club, with the ISYR’s Jim Teeters controlling handicapping. As the first regatta of the year on the superyacht circuit, the Cup attracts yachts which enjoy the camaraderie and adventure of a regatta that’s out of the ordinary.

The backdrop of the Bay of Islands makes for spectacular, but challenging, courses and New Zealand’s famous brand of hospitality means on-shore events are carried out to an exceptional standard with an inescapable element of Kiwi warmth and flair.

Central Auckland shipyard, Orams Marine returns as platinum sponsor of the event, with many of the yachts competing carrying hallmarks of the yard’s work. 

This year two media sponsors have lined up to be involved. Leading Australasian superyacht magazine, Ocean Media is once again lending its support to the regatta and is joined by European heavyweight Boat International. Long time supporter of the regatta, Smuggler Marine, has returned to the regatta as a gold sponsor, alongside Doyle Sails New Zealand and Bay of Islands Marina. They’re joined by silver sponsors Onfire Design, Breed Media, and COAST New Zealand. 

Headed by the NZ Marine Export Group and a dedicated committee, the event is always one which supplies a wealth of exciting racing, and which is becoming well-known as a must-do regatta 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 unique manner.
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Featuring great racing, adventurous yachts, unbeatable cruising scenery and an inside look into New Zealand’s marine industry, the highly-anticipated NZ Millennium Cup is one to add to 2018’s racing calendar.

Delta sails have been developed as a sail solution for cruising and racing yachts under 15 metres (50 ft). Utilizing the same adhesives and lamination process from our Stratis plant these sails offer similar benefits as our premier product.

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Customised designs and engineering are based off tried and tested moulds to suit the size and purpose of sail. 

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​Smuggler Marine had an impressive line-up of 11 boats at the recent Auckland On Water Boat Show, including two new models, the Strata 780 SS and the Strata 580. The show was held outside in Auckland’s typically-crazy spring weather – four seasons in one day, but this didn’t stop the public coming to see what Smuggler had on offer for 2017.
 
Smuggler’s new 780 SS was a show stopper, with many customers wanting test rides and information on this revolutionary design; with twin consoles and a walk-through Bowrider giving access to the forward lounge area. This is a great option as a tender, an incredible hull with 27 degree deep V gives unrivalled performance, keeping guests dry and safe in all conditions.
 
The new Smuggler Strata 580, an outboard RIB with large forward area, dive bottle stowage and practical seating options is a great riding RIB for all purposes, crew tender or day boat. There was a great number of people interested in this option.
 
Another model on show was an old favourite the Strata 750 CC, with black carbon-style hypalon tubes, black hull and console and black powder coated S/S work. ‘Blackhawk’ received rave reviews, and Smuggler will no doubt be building several more of this model for the NZ summer season.
 
All Smuggler tenders from 6m upwards can be powered by outboard, inboard, jet drive or stern drive.

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.