The final race of the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup has come to a close and Kawil has been named overall series winner.
The 2020 champion put in a strong performance throughout the regatta, securing two first placings over four races. However coming into the final race it was Sea Eagle, Sassafras, and Sharlou all within striking distance of a win, as the third and final day of racing got underway. But the two Royal Huisman yachts couldn’t hold off Kawil’s charge to be champion. The 34 metre nailed the final race off Rakino island on a perfect Auckland day, and cemented her place as a two time NZ Millennium Cup winner. “It was a great race, we had a lot of fun, and are simply proud to be part of the group that’s here,” said Kawil’s owner as he accepted the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup. “Everybody loved it here, and at the risk of sounding like the Oscars, thanks to all the crew who made it possible, and thank you to the sponsors down here in New Zealand who make it possible for all of us to come down here and enjoy ourselves.” In the Pacific Cup Class, Hikurere won decisively after tight racing with Lion New Zealand over the three day series. The two yachts in the Pacific Class Cup manned by young, keen crew showed the bright future of New Zealand sailing, with Lion New Zealand and third place Innismara finishing within a minute of each other. “Innismara has had a fantastic regatta and we’re very grateful for the Pacific Cup and competition,” says Innismara’s Olivia Wimsett, though she warns the Innismara crew’s mentors on bigger yachts should be on watch for next year’s regatta. “The after-guard on the superyachts better watch out, we’re coming for them.” On the Hauraki Gulf waters that have produced a nation of sailors, this year’s NZ Millennium Cup fleet saw intense racing across the generations with venerated sailing names like Tom Schnackenberg, Mike Toppa and Tom Dodson, competing with young guns from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. With the changeable Auckland weather in full swing, the ORC’s Zoran Grubisa was on-site to ensure a high-standard of handicapping. “This certainly puts Auckland and New Zealand on my list of favourite places to be and I’m looking forward for future cooperation,” said Grubisa, giving his thanks to the management team. The NZ Millennium Cup will return in 2026, but whether Kawil returns to defend her title remains to be seen.
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On a day of light airs and a swift course around Rakino Island, Kawil made her move from second to first place overall on the second day of the NZ Millennium Cup.
After Sea Eagle’s show of dominance on the first day of the regatta, Kawil didn’t waste the opportunity to show her strength in Auckland’s changeable conditions; pushing the big 81 metre down into third place. Sea Eagle’s fellow Royal Huisman-built yacht Sassafras, showed her skill on her local waters, with the Auckland-based yacht making light work of moving into second place overall. The race’s corrected time showed just how close the two big yachts of the competition were, with Janice of Wyoming and Sea Eagle clocking a time difference of five seconds between them. “Sassafras’ owners and crew are rapt with our performance after two days of enjoyable sailing,” says Sassafras captain, Matt Lovett. “We’re excited to be in the mix at the top of the leader board, and will be racing to win on day three.” In the Pacific Cup Class, there was plenty of rumbling between the young guns on Lion New Zealand and the masters onboard Steinlager 2; both yachts presented by the NZ Sailing Trust. The effervescent energy of Lion New Zealand’s young sailors proved too strong, with the keen crew crossing the start line right on the horn and taking the award for best start of the day. They were quick, but not fast enough to take top spot; nipping in closely behind Hikurere which took the class win, but it was the battle between Steinlager 2 and Kinetic which was a real head-turner. Over a short race, the two Pacific Cup Class yachts finished within 15 seconds of each other, with Steinlager 2 just beating Kinetic to fourth place. At the evening's prize giving and happy hour, presented by Port Denarau Marina and Tahiti Tourisme, prizes were presented for stand out performances on the track. "We love to work together as a Pacific destination and we look forward to welcoming you all to Tahiti and to Fiji." Janice of Wyoming picked up the prize for most-consistent and well-oiled crew, while Kawil's owner was on hand to accept the prize for winner of the day. "It's always a good day racing on this course." At the end of two days of competition, there are three yachts in the running to win the top spot in the NZ Millennium Cup. Racing continues on Tuesday, to decide the ultimate winners for 2025. As the first day of the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup got underway, there was no stopping Sea Eagle’s romp to victory.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is underway and Sea Eagle has taken the win on day one in the Auckland regatta. Orams Marine race day marked the opening of the regatta, which runs from 1-4 February, on the waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. “With ten yachts competing, and regatta debuts out on the water, we can’t wait to see how the competition unfolds this year,” says organiser Stacey Cook. It was a day of two races on day one of the 2025 edition of the Cup, and a two-yacht race at the line. The big 81 metre Royal Huisman looked in control as she took the win on the first race of the day - her first ever regatta event - and then secured a second place as Kawil took the top spot in race two, with only two seconds between them on corrected time. “It’s the first regatta for Sea Eagle and the crew absolutely nailed it, we’re thrilled,” said a Sea Eagle representative. After light airs during the practice days, Auckland’s breeze filled in and racing started promptly at 11am with yachts racing on a triangle course from the Hauraki start line. At the end of day, at Yachting Developments’ happy hour and prize giving, NZ Millennium Cup entry Sharlou picked up the prize for best start in her class, crossing the line within four seconds of her start time, while Innismara was crowned fastest over the line in the Pacific Cup Class. Overall results in the NZ Millennium Cup after day one see Sea Eagle in first place, with Kawil close behind and Sassafras in third, with everything still to play for by the fleet. In the Pacific Cup class, competition was just as intense with Hikurere and Lion New Zealand battling it out for first place in both races. However it was Hikurere who managed to take the win in both races with a mere one second separating the two on corrected time in the first race of the day. “We’ve got a fantastic crew and had great weather, it’s been a lovely, enjoyable day on the water,” said Hikurere’s owner when asked about the win. Racing continues on Monday and Tuesday, as the yachts battle for top spot in Auckland. The NZ Millennium Cup has begun, with regatta visitors welcomed to the city by Auckland’s mayor.
The world’s most-southerly superyacht regatta is underway tonight, with Auckland’s mayor welcoming the fleet to the City of Sails. “We’d love to warmly welcome and acknowledge our visitors to the city of sails,” said mayor Wayne Brown. “It was a special treat to meet the owner of Janice of Wyoming who’s been a visitor to our city for many years. The course has been designed to showcase the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, and explore its gulf islands.” “Enjoy the hospitality and all the city had to offer, enjoy the regatta, and I’m looking forward to the racing.” Superyacht visitors injected $212m into the New Zealand economy in the 2023/4 season, and this key market is promoted via attraction initiatives like the New Zealand Millennium Cup. Regatta organisers, Peter Busfield and Stacey Cook welcomed owners, captains and crew to the 15th edition of the regatta at an event on Auckland’s waterfront, sponsored by Southern Spars. As the sun set over the Hauraki Gulf, personalised bags from Silver Sponsor Coast were presented to each yacht to commemorate the regatta with one of the coveted New Zealand brand’s signature pieces. “Have a good evening, but more importantly have a good race,” said Peter Busfield, NZ Marine CEO. At the welcome function, yachts were presented with the coveted Coast New Zealand bags which have become a signature of the regatta. First to be welcomed to the regatta was Janice of Wyoming, with her owner noting it was the 15th year the Alloy Yachts-built yacht had competed. “It was a special treat to meet the owner of Janice of Wyoming who’s been a visitor to our city for many years,” added Mayor Brown. The regatta attracts yachts with adventurous tendencies as they journey to New Zealand to take part in the world’s most-southerly superyacht regatta. The regatta is raced on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, an historical sailing tie-in that isn’t lost on entries. The fleet will be taking on the Auckland conditions which have been enjoyed by the world’s leading yachtsmen in America’s Cup and Round the World races, and experiencing the beauty of a harbour which turned a nation into sailors. Many of those sailors will be familiar with both Lion New Zealand and Steinlager 2. Presented by the NZ Sailing Trust, the two yachts have played key roles in New Zealand’s sailing history and this year will represent the NZ Sailing Trust’s work to empower New Zealand youth through sailing adventures. The NZ Millennium Cup gets underway from Saturday, with ten entries, returning campaigners and a special regatta debut. The 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup begins with welcome festivities this Saturday, 1st of February.
With courses dotted amongst the volcanoes, islands and channels of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, this year’s regatta is shaping up to be a showdown of epic proportions with yachts returning to the race, and those making their regatta debut. In the second consecutive edition to be raced in Auckland after its Bay of Islands tenure, the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup will welcome back Kawil for the first time after her Bay of Islands win in 2020. Also returning to the Cup are two regatta favourites. Royal Huisman’s Sassafras has a long history of hitting the New Zealand Millennium Cup race course with elegance and panache, belying her fierce approach to racing. Fellow repeat campaigner, Janice of Wyoming has established a sterling reputation as a competitive entry with a crew as fun as her signature cowboy spinnaker. The regatta is raced on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, an historical sailing tie-in that isn’t lost on entries. The fleet will be taking on the Auckland conditions which have been enjoyed by the world’s leading yachtsmen in America’s Cup and Round the World races, and experiencing the beauty of a harbour which turned a nation into sailors. Classic sailing yacht Innismara, will race in the Pacific Cup Class, crewed by the same group of young sailors who restored the 1969 launch to her former glory. Alongside her in the Pacific Cup Class, Lion New Zealand and Steinlager, will race presented by the NZ Sailing Trust. Combined with twenty one industry sponsors and a wide-range of world-renowned sailors, the 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup is lining up to be a showcase of the way New Zealand’s cruising grounds and penchant for racing has created a sailing culture all of its own. The regatta takes place in the centre of Auckland from 1-4 February 2025. “Racing the regatta in the heart of our harbour city is an experience we love to give to our guests,” says event organiser, Stacey Cook. “These are the waters which have hosted America’s Cup showdowns, Volvo Ocean Race starts and honed generations of New Zealand sailors, so we know they’re a challenging, and very picturesque, place to race.” New Zealand’s Orams Marine’s refit season using its two superyacht buildings is in full-swing.
The first yacht to use one of the 60 metre refit buildings was a 40 metre Hoek Design vessel which underwent an extensive refit and emerged ready for launch and rig stepping. Showing the sheer scale of the two superyacht buildings, the buildings have been continuously occupied by yachts visiting Orams Marine’s central Auckland yard for refit since they became operational last year. The two superyacht buildings are in addition to Orams Marine’s existing refit sheds and workspaces and offer a fully covered and controlled environment, with both featuring 60 by 20 metre doors. Each superyacht building is accessed by the yard’s 820 tonne travel lift and both are fitted with internal gantry cranes. The two additions are part of a wide-ranging expansion over the past three years, which has included creating extra hardstand, doubled capacity for marine service companies, and additional 820 tonne and 85 tonne travel lifts, in addition to the existing travel lift, and 600 tonne slipway already on site. They also join three new 90 metre marina fingers, which join Orams Marine’s existing marinas. Orams Marine has served the marine industry from its Auckland location for 36 years and CEO, Neven Barbour says the new additions create a world-class facility in a world-class location. Many of the on-site marine trades and services will expand their capacity and capabilities as new premises are built to accommodate their growth. As superyachts leave the covered buildings, they’re able to continue their refit on the extensive hard stand, or within marinas build specifically for work alongside. The yard has more than 880 metres of work berths serviced by cranes, with deep water access and no air draft restriction. Inbuilt to the project is a water treatment plant which ensures the facility is a world-leader in the refit market in protecting the environment. The result is a full-service refit destination able to cater to a broad range of vessels; from the 310 berth boat park to berths for the largest vessels in the cruising fleet. The site is set in the heart of Auckland’s marine precinct in a prime waterfront location, and is a short walk from Auckland’s CBD. This world-class yard has become a favourite with refitting crew due to its high-quality work, excellent amenities nearby, attractive and secure crew housing, and easy access to Auckland’s Harbour and Hauraki Gulf islands. As a gateway to some of the most-adventurous cruising grounds in the world, the Orams Marine team is adept at refitting yachts which need to be prepared for any cruising conditions. The NZ Millennium Cup gets underway next week, setting the scene for 81 metre Royal Huisman-built Sea Eagle’s first ever appearance in a regatta.
One of the world’s top ten largest sailing yachts, Sea Eagle has stood out since her launch in 2020. With a 45,000NM world exploration under her belt, this contemporary schooner has more than proved her sea kindliness, though has yet to be tested in a regatta. All that’s about to change though, when she takes to the New Zealand track in early February. “This is a very large yacht to be throwing around on a race course with several other superyachts,” says Sea Eagle captain, Henry Say, of the approaching debut. “Hopefully the weather behaves itself. We have a very experienced race crew who specialise in sailing yachts of this calibre. We are all excited to try something new and see what the boat can do; though I guess you could say we are a little nervous.” Sea Eagle was built by New Zealand Millennium Cup Gold Sponsor, Royal Huisman, to a design by Dykstra Naval Architects, to include an enormous sail area. With 2,580sqm upwind; and 3552sqm downwind, as well as the ability to hoist all three mainsails easily at once, the efficiency of the sail management system has been proven while taking in many of the world’s great cruising grounds under sail. Now, that sail area will be tested during racing. “The brief for Sea Eagle was to create an extremely comfortable and spacious superyacht with good sea keeping and exceptional amenities for all onboard,” says Royal Huisman’s Bas Isselmann. “She had to offer outstanding passage-making performance so that the owner could take in as much of the world under sail as possible. She had to be a true sailor’s yacht; practical, powerful, safe and easily managed. Finally, she had to be functional, favouring simplicity and reliability over unnecessary frills. And that is the yacht that we delivered - with a good deal of team pride.” Captain Say is confident the advanced systems onboard will translate into a successful regatta. “We are confident the boat will be up for the challenge and get around the course. Our training days will provide us with a better understanding of the yacht's performance and handling capabilities. Not only do we have 2,500 sqm of sails to handle we have a 1,600sqm spinnaker which has only been used a handful of times. To start tacking, gybing, hoisting and dropping these sails will test the crew and our equipment. However the captain tells us he’s really looking forward to the event and having a chance to show the world what Sea Eagle can do. “We are looking forward to getting a strong team together and taking part in a well organised, social event. It is something the owners of the yacht have never done, so showing them the racing side of the sport will be exciting. Obviously we love sailing Sea Eagle and are looking forward to showcasing her performance.” The regatta takes place in the centre of Auckland from 1-4 February 2025. “Racing the regatta in the heart of our harbour city is an experience we love to give to our guests,” says event organiser, Stacey Cook. “These are the waters which have hosted America’s Cup showdowns, Volvo Ocean Race starts and honed generations of New Zealand sailors, so we know they’re a challenging, and very picturesque, place to race.” We're thrilled to present this year's sailing programme. Download the sailing programme here to meet the entries, discover where we'll be racing and get a sneak peek at why we do what we do.
Colossal, striking, and a world-cruiser, Royal Huisman's 81 metre Sea Eagle will make her global regatta debut at the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup. However, she's just one of a stable of exceptionally-large, well-performing sailing yachts from Royal Huisman. Four of the world’s ten largest sailing yachts are either built by, or under construction at, Royal Huisman: Athena, Sea Eagle, Project 410 and 411. And there's a number of breathtaking concept designs such as APEX 850, LOTUS and the ground-breaking concept WING100 eager to contribute to this list.
Designed by internationally-renowned architects and the shipyard team, these concepts are unique examples of what can be realised in the world's largest sailing yachts. Royal Huisman is at home with any style and any design: classic, contemporary, or timeless schemes, and combined with dyna-rigs, single mast, wing sails, or a three-masted arrangement to match the owner's wishes. The next Royal Huisman super-sized sailing yacht will be a fitting match in the world’s top 10; possibly even becoming the largest in this elite circle. She will join the existing Royal Huisman-built, thoroughbred 'super-sized sail yachts', and, as every Royal Huisman yacht benefits from knowledge gained during previous builds, she would be the finest yet. Sailing yachts provide the same enjoyment at anchor or at the dock as motoryachts, but are also (much) more fun while travelling from point to point; especially coupled with their ability to reach remote corners of our beautiful planet. They offer the stimulating experience of seeing sails hoisted to catch the wind, and the slender bow cutting through the waves to pick up speed. Even those who are not keen on heeling angles, will be pleased to discover that new technologies exist to reduce lateral movement and heeling angle substantially. In addition to the thrill of sailing and the satisfaction of Royal Huisman’s bespoke quality, future owners will also enjoy the green footprint of their yacht and the significant efficiency advantage of free propulsion power when under sail. Last but not least, the addition of an energy-neutral-mode will prove a much-appreciated feature: spinning the propellers to generate more than sufficient electrical power for all onboard systems such as air conditioning, and recharging the batteries to enjoy silent mode while at anchor. For some, these features might sound like uncharted waters that require a lot more development, but not so for the shipyard. Royal Huisman pioneered hybrid propulsion with the game-changing ketch Ethereal (the world’s first hybrid superyacht) in 2009, and has since continued to refine its technological lead in some remarkable projects. “Sustainability is crucially important for all of us and for future generations. Yacht owners and the yachting sector obviously want to play their part by reducing environmental impact and by limiting the use of valuable natural resources. It is a fact that the level of achievement resulting from these efforts can vary greatly. At Royal Huisman, we know that some owners positively encourage their design and build teams to make a difference by, for example, making their superyachts more efficient, or by applying renewable energy sources," says Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman: “There’s a synergy between the ocean’s tranquility and the vibrant character of our wines.”
It’s been a pleasure to name Allan Scott Wines as the New Zealand Millennium Cup’s wine partner over several years, with its deep connection to the ocean. We chatted with Josh Scott, CEO and owner of Allan Scott Wines, to discover how sailing has influenced the character of the wines, and Josh’s must-visit spot on New Zealand waters. “Being part of the NZ Millennium Cup regatta is a privilege for us at Allan Scott Wines. It’s an opportunity to align our passion for excellence and craftsmanship with an event that showcases the best of New Zealand’s on-water lifestyle. It’s about celebrating what makes New Zealand special; our natural beauty, innovation, and the shared joy of community and competition.” With Josh joining us on site at previous regattas in the Bay of Islands, as well as the team set to join 2025’s Auckland New Zealand Millennium Cup celebrations, Josh tells us he’s a strong proponent of enjoying wine near the water. “The sailing culture and on-water lifestyle are integral to how Allan Scott Wines are experienced. There’s a synergy between the ocean’s tranquillity and the vibrant character of our wines. Enjoying a glass of wine on the water or at the beach resonates with the relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle we embody. It’s about creating moments of connection and celebration.” Josh tells us his choice of wine from Allan Scott’s Stella range is the Cecilia Marlborough Brut, a wine we’re very much looking forward to sharing with our attendees come February. “It’s a wine that perfectly reflects the elegance and freshness we strive for in our range. Its crisp, refined notes are a celebration in themselves; ideal for enjoying on a yacht, at a regatta, or paired with fresh seafood by the sea.” Speaking of the sea, with Allan Scott Wines based near the beautiful cruising grounds of the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds, Josh has a few very special on-water spots he thinks everyone should experience. “Rarangi Beach in Marlborough holds a special place for me. It’s close to home and showcases the rugged, unspoilt beauty of New Zealand. There’s also great mountain bike tracks right off the beach.” “For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Marlborough Sounds are unparalleled—secluded bays, crystal-clear waters, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.” “We’re proud to be a part of an event that celebrates the best of New Zealand, from its landscapes to its lifestyle. At Allan Scott Wines, we’re all about crafting moments to savour—whether it’s a glass of wine shared with friends or the thrill of a regatta. Here’s to many more shared adventures, on land and sea!” |
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February 2025
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