The NZ Millennium Cup returns in February, marking the first superyacht regatta since early 2020.

The regatta is raced amongst the bays and coves of the Bay of Islands; the historic heart of New Zealand’s maritime life. Designed as a showcase of the best of New Zealand, it introduces superyacht owners to the New Zealand of warm welcomes, relaxed hospitality and outstanding scenery.

When this year’s edition kicks off on 15 February, it will be with a line up of entries boasting impressive regatta credentials. Classic yacht, 34.8 metre, Aschanti IV joins the regatta after racing in the inaugural regatta in 2000, and will bring her elegant, traditional lines to the course as well as a wealth of regatta experience. Close in size to Aschanti IV, though not in appearance, 36.2 metre Miss Silver, is a sloop with the modern exterior lines of a Dubois design.
Like Miss Silver, fellow entry Silvertip is built to a Dubois design, and was created in New Zealand. She’s a repeat campaigner which has become a firm favourite on the course with spectators for her all-in approach to winning, as well as adding immensely to the fun of the regatta off the course.

Royal Huisman-built Sassafras is all style and grace during racing, and will be looking forward to meeting fellow former competitors, Silvertip and Tawera come February. She’ll be joined by Royal Huisman’s Whirlwind XII; an elegant sloop which promises to bring a new dimension to this year’s line up.

Noted by other competitors is Tawera. The previous winner of multiple editions of the Cup not only has a knack for quick performances; the yacht’s owners and crew bring with them a fleet of wooden skiffs and annually throw down a challenge to other crew to take a pause from wind-power and pick up the oars in competition.
For local companies like ENL, making waves with its WASSP software which allows superyachts to generate their own navigational data while exploring uncharted waters, it provides an opportunity to see international clients on their home turf.
The Tawera Rum Barrel race has become a fixture of the regatta in recent years. Held on the second day of racing, crews gather on Russell’s beach for a bombastic competition which includes flying oars, dubious skill and plenty of tumbles. The prize is a hotly-contested 20 litre barrel of Mount Gay Rum.

The NZ Millennium Cup serves as an opportunity to showcase New Zealand as a destination to cruising superyachts, as well as highlight the innovation and experience within the local superyacht sector. It’s headquartered at the historic Duke of Marlborough hotel in Russell, which has been a hub of New Zealand’s marine activity since Māori first arrived in voyaging waka around 700 years ago, followed by European whalers - making the town the largest whaling port in the Southern Hemisphere for a period of time - in the early 1820s.

Running from 15-18 February, 2021, the NZ Millennium Cup regatta is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and is the longest running superyacht regatta in the South Pacific.

The first superyacht regatta in almost a year is looking to add another string to its bow as it reaches for new sustainability credentials.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup kicks off in under two months, and when the regatta begins on 15 February, it aims to lead sustainability efforts in global superyacht regattas.

The Cup has applied for Gold Clean Regatta status, in recognition of its efforts to create an event which is easy on the Bay of Islands surrounds that it’s raced in. Sustainability efforts during the South Pacific superyacht regatta include swapping plastic water bottles for reusable alternatives, encouraging the use of biodegradable sail ties, partnering with a sustainability-minded restaurant for regatta HQ, re-using regatta promotional materials, and partnering with ocean-focused charities and sponsors.

Platinum sponsor, Orams Marine likewise has a focus on the health of our oceans, installing an industry-leading water treatment system in its Auckland superyacht yard. The multi-layered system ensures water used during yacht refit, as well as yard stormwater runoff, is free of contaminants. An in-built water treatment plant separates and treats wastewater and stormwater collected across new hardstand and covered work areas now under construction. The Orams Marine team worked with sustainability experts prior to the build’s start, with the goal of setting a new shipyard industry standard of discharge water quality, protecting the Waitematā Harbour and New Zealand’s environment longterm.

Gold sponsor Benetti also has its own focus on the environment.

“Benetti is deservedly proud of its heritage of delivering beautiful, reliable, technologically advanced and innovative yachts, ideal for partaking in adventures to the most exciting corners of the world and now with a growing intelligent approach to sustainability. ” says  Peter Mahony, APAC General Manager at Benetti Yachts.

North Sails of gold sponsor duo North Sails and Southern Spars, was the first sailmaker to aggressively pursue more sustainable manufacturing processes, and it continues to put its expertise to work to pursue a more sustainable production footprint. 

“Our Second Lap project is a commitment by the North Materials division to substitute, where possible, viable “upstream” raw materials from recycled sources when manufacturing sails and components,” says Tom Davis, head of North Sails’ North Materials.

“Working with a partner in Sri Lanka, North Sails is producing polyester fibre from discarded PET bottles. This new material is in trials to be used as webbings, cordage, and the woven material used to make our iconic sail ties and blue sail bags. The bottles used in this new material are sourced in Sri Lanka and woven at the North Sails Sri Lanka manufacturing loft, minimising the transport of the plastic itself.”
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The regatta takes place in Northland’s pristine Bay of Islands, where fellow gold sponsor, Bay of Islands Marina features two modern, solar-powered recycling centres, with a sustainable approach which includes recycling water for boat washdowns.

Running from 15-17 February, 2021, the NZ Millennium Cup regatta has become a stand-out event on the world superyacht circuit, featuring a relaxed, warm approach to hospitality and fiercely competitive racing.

The NZ Millennium Cup’s first edition was in 2000 and it 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.

The notice of race and entry forms are now available at millenniumcup.com or by contacting stacey@nzmarine.com.

With three months to go until the New Zealand Millennium Cup begins, new entries are rolling in.

The South Pacific’s longest running superyacht regatta will be the first global superyacht regatta held in close to a year, marking a moment for the industry to gather and for owners, guests and crew to enjoy competitive, fun racing.

Veteran of the world’s classic regattas, Aschanti IV has taken up the challenge and entered, alongside New Zealand-built boat, Miss Silver. Royal Huisman’s 31 metre Whirlwind XIII is the second Royal Huisman entry, joining 34 metre returning campaigner, Sassafras. Oyster yacht, Firebird is another adventurous yacht which has joined the racing; the world-cruising sloop boasts a performance deck and rig package and has previously claimed victory in the Oyster Palma Regatta.

The new entrants join a line up of yachts already signed on to compete in the regatta, which takes place in the one of the globe’s greatest cruising grounds; the Bay of Islands, including previous winner of multiple editions, Tawera.

“We’re looking forward to taking competitors to the Bay of Islands in the north of New Zealand, to experience this incredibly-special part of the world,” says event manager Stacey Cook.   
“New Zealand in early 2021 will truly be the place to be for anyone passionate about exceptional yacht racing, and says Cook. “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to this beautiful region.”
“If this isn’t heaven, then it’s just next door,” said sailing legend Peter Montgomery when describing sailing in the Bay of Islands in his role as regatta ambassador, and most entrants to the race agree with him.

The historic village of Russell is the gateway to the Bay of Islands and is also known as Kororāreka - or sweet penguin. Today, the little blue penguins that give it its name still wander up the beach to nest under the wooden boards of beachside buildings; many built when Europeans first arrived in New Zealand.

Race HQ is the Duke of Marlborough - an historic establishment which was the first place in New Zealand to be granted a license and which has been refreshing rascals and reprobates ever since - the perfect home for this regatta full of camaraderie, fierce racing and fun.

The NZ Millennium Cup’s first edition was in 2000 and it 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.

The notice of race and entry forms are now available at millenniumcup.com or by contacting stacey@nzmarine.com.

The NZ Millennium Cup’ notice of race has just been released and the response has been quick with big names in superyacht regattas quickly entering

Some of the most well-known names in superyacht racing will head south for the 2021 New Zealand Millennium Cup, it’s been announced today.

Frequent competitors in global superyacht regattas like J Class Velsheda, Win Win, Pumula, Kawil, and Wavelength will join regular NZ Millennium Cup entries Silvertip, Tawera, Sassafras and Janice of Wyoming as they race in the world’s southernmost regatta.

Also joining them for the first time in the adventurous antipodean race will be Black Sails, Ciliam, Altair, Ammonite, Hetairos, and Anemoi, with the notice of race just released by organisers.

“The regatta is based in Russell, in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands which is an incredibly-special part of the world, and we’re expecting up to 35 yachts to enter,” says event manager Stacey Cook.   

“New Zealand in early 2021 will truly be the place to be for anyone passionate about exceptional yacht racing, and says Cook. With the highest concentration of superyacht events ever seen, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests to our very special part of the world.”

The Bay of Islands-based regatta will be followed by the RNZYS Mastercard Superyacht Regatta back in Auckland.

"Entries are lining up for the RNZYS Mastercard Superyacht Regatta where many of the NZ Millennium Cup fleet will continue their rivalry,” says RNZYS’ Andrew Delves.

“If this isn’t heaven, then it’s just next door,” said sailing legend Peter Montgomery when describing sailing in the Bay of Islands in his role as regatta ambassador, and most entrants to the race agree with him.
The historic village of Russell is the gateway to the Bay of Islands and is also known as Kororāreka - or sweet penguin. Today the little blue penguins that give it its name still wander up the beach to nest under the wooden boards of beachside buildings; many built when Europeans first arrived in New Zealand.

Race HQ is the Duke of Marlborough - an historic establishment which was the first place in New Zealand to be granted a license and which has been refreshing rascals and reprobates ever since - the perfect home for this regatta full of camaraderie, fierce racing and fun.

The NZ Millennium Cup will be in its 13th edition in 2021 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.

The notice of race and entry forms are now available at millenniumcup.com or by contacting stacey@nzmarine.com

The NZ Millennium Cup prizegiving marked the close of the regatta today on Royal Huisman race day, against the backdrop of a honey and peach sunset, and the jubilation of brand new champions.
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Over three days, Kawil has taken control of the Bay of Islands regatta course. Reading the conditions well, slick crew work, and strong tactical decisions all combined to help the Derektor yacht to secure the win. The rest of the fleet was determined not to give her an easy win though, as they began the last day of racing today.

Right from the start on Royal Huisman race day, competitors set their intentions with strong starts and active racing that saw them criss-crossing the Northland waters. Silvertip, and Sassafras impressed with how well they timed their run to the start line; local yacht Silvertip accompanied to the line by her cheer squad, the local dolphin pod. Janice of Wyoming sliced close to the signal boat - and close to the start line - so close in fact that she incurred a penalty as she crossed two seconds ahead of her start time.

Heading into the wind, Silvertip took a lower approach than the rest of the fleet, then turned her sharp knuckle bow towards the Boat International Ninepin Mark. Kawil was out in front, in the spectator boats, there was speculation Kawil had overshot the mark, before she turned smartly and made a perfect rounding, showing off her impeccable tactics once more.

Sassafras and Silvertip were behind her, taking different lines for the mark and looking like they’d reach it at the same time.

“I back the Sass,” said Natasha Nel, of sponsor Blue Marine Travel, and she proved to be right as Sassafras rounded the mark ahead of Silvertip.

From there, it was kites up and they were off - heading back to the orange mark at the head of the signal before Silvertip was off, out in front for Moturoa Island, then back into the darker waters of the Bay towards the Boat International Ninepin Mark for the second time.

Behind her, Adele had already tacked, searching for wind in the middle of the Bay. It was active, exciting racing and despite Silvertip’s brilliant performance, it wasn’t enough to hold off newcomer Kawil on corrected time - 2020’s NZ Millennium Cup champion.
Peter Montgomery, MBE officiated the prize giving ceremony. As platinum sponsors Orams Marine’s managing director, Craig Park, and Royal Huisman’s sales manager, Bas Isselman presented first place to Kawil and second to Adele, he thanked the entries, sponsors and organisers as they celebrated after turning the eyes of the superyacht industry to this spectacular part of the world.

“I think you’ve made this event extraordinary,” said the owner of repeat competitor, Silvertip.

“It’s a great privilege to be here - we sailed the first NZ Millennium Cup from Auckland to Kawau so it’s fantastic fun to be here in the Bay of Islands.”

The 2020 regatta was raced from 28 January to 1 February and organisers will now turn their attention to the bumper 2021 edition. Conservative estimates among the competitors present say to expect 40 or more yacht entries - a spectacular sight on the Bay of Islands waters.
With the number of superyachts heading to New Zealand for the 36th America’s Cup - both motor and sail - the NZ Marine Export Group will also host a superyacht fishing competition from 11 - 13th February, before the NZ Millennium Cup 2021 14 - 18 February.

“We’re excited to stage this significant regatta in our own special part of the globe - we can’t wait to share our slice of heaven with the international superyacht industry as they arrive in our country. With up to 40 superyachts expected, New Zealanders will delight in delivering the best of Kiwi hospitality as we welcome our guests to Kiwi shores and share our New Zealand cruising grounds.”

The New Zealand Millennium Cup has a tradition of a skiff regatta; started by Mike and Tracy Mahoney, owners of Tawera. All yachts enter teams and the racing is just as fierce as on the Millennium Cup regatta course - and not even half as skilled. The prize? Twenty litres of Mount Gay Rum in a wooden barrel emblazoned with the regatta’s logo and designed to be used for celebrations during the regatta. 

The Challenge once again didn't disappoint, with crew taking to the wooden skiffs with gusto, enthusiasm - and clumsiness - all in pursuit of a 20 litre barrel of Mount Gay Rum. Sassafras' team A scored extra points for style as the only team to end up with a crewmember rowing the wrong way for some of the course, while Bianca Cook demonstrated her skills are multidisciplinary - looking comfortable from the outset. 

Four teams made it to the finals and, with Russell Beach lined with spectators to cheer them on, they were off on a running start. Dealing to the first leg in record time, things got rocky at the buoy as a clash slowed the Kawil team down. Nothing was slowing the Adele team down though, with her crew team A unstoppable as they stormed towards the rum barrel and the win.

A huge thanks to Mike and Tracy Mahoney for making this possible and their ongoing support of the regatta - we can't wait to see you back next year! ​

There were no complaints about a delayed start due to lack of wind on Boat International race day of the NZ Millennium Cup. The local dolphin pod joined the fleet at the start as has become their habit, keeping owners and crew entertained as they waited for the starter’s gun.

Regular, fierce competitor, 34metre Silvertip crossed the line exactly on the starter’s horn on the Bay of Islands course, impressing all spectator boats with her timeliness. She wasn’t the only one; Kawil and Sassafras had both made their own strong starts. ​

It was active, exciting racing. Adele took a high line, searching for wind as the rest of the fleet made its way towards the Black Rocks across the Bay, before tacking to head towards the Ninepin. Spectators were treated to plenty of tacking and gibing, each yacht choosing its own line as they fought for wind in the light airs.

Kawil and Silvertip turned towards the mark together and with an impressive surge of power, Silvertip was past Kawil. A slick slide around the Ninepin and she made the joust for position look like a jaunt.

Kawil wasn’t letting it go, though. As they came out from behind the mark, the bags were coming out, both raised their kites smartly and they were back to neck and neck. Lighter Kawil was heading for clear air and her run for the mark.

Adele wasn’t far behind. Fishermen dotted around Ninepin thrilled to the sight of the 54 metre’s giant red kite raised and flying as she headed for the Orams Marine mark. By the time she reached it, the big Vitters had overhauled Kawil to sit in second, before hunting down Silvertip on the home leg, to cross the line first, Silvertip behind her, then Kawil, then Royal Huisman-built Sassafras, before Janice of Wyoming.

At the end of day two, Kawil was the leader overall on points, though Adele’s wins weren’t over for the day.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup has a tradition of a skiff regatta; started by Mike and Tracy Mahoney, owners of Tawera. All yachts enter teams and the racing is just as fierce as on the Millennium Cup regatta course - and not even half as skilled. The prize? Twenty litres of Mount Gay Rum in a wooden barrel emblazoned with the regatta’s logo and designed to be used for celebrations during the regatta.

The Challenge once again didn't disappoint, with crew taking to the wooden skiffs with gusto, enthusiasm - and clumsiness - all in pursuit of a 20 litre barrel of Mount Gay Rum. Sassafras' team A scored extra points for style as the only team to end up with a crewmember rowing the wrong way for some of the course, while Bianca Cook demonstrated her skills are multidisciplinary - looking comfortable from the outset. 

Four teams made it to the finals and, with Russell Beach lined with spectators to cheer them on, they were off on a running start. Dealing to the first leg in record time, things got rocky at the buoy as a clash slowed the Kawil team down. Nothing was slowing the Adele team down though, with her crew team A unstoppable as they stormed towards the rum barrel and the win.

The 2020 regatta is raced from 28 January to 1 February and, as it has for the past several years, take place in the Bay of Islands.

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.

New Zealand’s only superyacht regatta has joined forces with Live Ocean; the charitable trust founded by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke with a focus on ocean conservation. 

Live Ocean’s vision is for New Zealand to become a leader in ocean health while the New Zealand Millennium Cup, raced in the country’s Bay of Islands, attracts superyacht owners who enjoy New Zealand’s unspoilt scenery and clear waters. Both organisations believe that we all have a responsibility of Kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, of the ocean.

Live Ocean aims to support and invest in promising marine science, innovation, technology and marine conservation projects and right now is raising funds to help save the Antipodean albatross, which could be gone in as little as 20 years. New Zealand is the seabird capital of the world, but shockingly 90 per cent of species are threatened with, or at risk of, extinction.

Donations made from New Zealand Millennium Cup participants through liveocean.com can be tagged NZ Millennium Cup to create a collective effort, with 100 per cent of donations to Live Ocean going towards projects.
“We know superyachts visiting our shores, as well as those based here appreciate how special our ocean environment is,” says organiser Stacey Cook. ​

“We’re thrilled to support Live Ocean and Peter and Blair’s initiative as they become part of the positive change for ocean health.”

As well as announcing Live Ocean as its official charitable partner, the NZ Millennium Cup is a certified Clean Regatta and has taken steps to ensure it’s minimising its impact on the environment for the duration of the event. Sponsors are also onboard. For example, sponsor Smuggler Marine has supplied keep cups in the owners’ bags while sponsor Benetti has supplied stainless steel water bottles and the regatta itself has given each yacht insulated drink bottles.

At the regatta’s race headquarters, the Duke of Marlborough, fish and produce is always sustainably-sourced, as well as locally-sourced wherever possible.

Racing for the 2020 edition of the regatta gets underway tomorrow amongst the 144 islets of Northland’s Bay of Islands.

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. It’ll be raced from the 29th January to the 1 February with the largest yacht taking part this year measuring 54.6 metres.

Royal Huisman build Sassafras will return to the race, as will fellow past competitors Silvertip and Janice of Wyoming, while new entrants Kawil, and 54metre Adele will take to the water. Entries have also rolled in for 2021 with Cilliam and Black Sails already entering, along with Janice of Wyoming, Kawil, Sassafras, Tawera, and Silvertip

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