A gracious Bay of Islands morning greeted the NZ Millennium Cup 2016 fleet on NZ Marine Race Day; the second day of racing. Resplendent sun glittering on emerald waters replaced the sulky clouds that had threatened the day prior. After the 19 nautical mile warm up of Day 1, the promise of good wind conditions enabled the pack to enjoy a longer day on the water with a 26 nautical mile course that would truly test the prowess of the fleet. ​

The blue skies and strong sunshine perfectly offset the stunning Bay of Islands surroundings, with clear bright waters offset by the lush green coastline and white sand beaches. Yachts were joined in the race by some of New Zealand’s beautiful marine life with leaping dolphins and hammerhead sharks streaking through the water alongside the painted hulls. For many competitors it is this unbeatable natural setting paired with the camaraderie and warm Kiwi welcome that makes the NZ Millennium Cup so loved. 
As the armada came upon the Nine Pin many yachts battled with dropping winds. Allegro were the first whose sails were to be emptied, then Steinlager II with Antaeus eyeing them up from behind before falling afoul to the same conditions. Whilst Silvertip gave the Nine Pin a wide berth, Janice of Wyoming hair-pinned around with a resounding gasp. 

The yachts finally built up speed to move around the course once again but then the wind shifted 180 degrees from a westerly to a nor’easterly as the fleet traversed from the Orams Marine Buoy to the Motuterakihi Island Buoy. The art of war was played out amongst the crew tacticians. The first day under their belt the crews were now well into their stride, with maneuvers being expertly executed and yachts rounding the marks with precision, making every important second count. 

Although last off the start line Silvertip made good on their reputation as fierce racers, quickly finding their legs and gaining on the fleet, overtaking boat after boat to claim a well-deserved second place overall. But this was Tawera’s day and she could not be caught, harnessing the wind to carry her round the course and take the victory. 
Kealoha kept their focus throughout, holding off Janice of Wyoming and overtaking fellow Hoek design Shamoun to claim third place. Meanwhile, a close battle was underway at the finish line. Janice of Wyoming proved their mastery of the last minute overtake, demonstrated with their win on day one, gaining on Shamoun as they approached the finish line and stealing fourth place at the last minute. 
In the Pacific Class Steinlager enjoyed the stronger winds and were uncatchable, crossing the line first overall and taking line honours. Allegro comfortably held her place in towards the front of the fleet throughout the day, crossing the line third overall to take second place in the Pacific Class. Antaeus sailed consistently but were unable to catch the frontrunners, taking third place.
With day two down it is all to play for in an historically unique day for the NZ Millennium Cup; four of the five boats are tied equal first place on five points each.

Crews enjoyed an informal social evening with a barbeque and drinks at race HQ to celebrate the end of another exciting day on the water.
The NZ Millennium Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings/Port Opua, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments

Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Dubois, Breed Media, Integrated Marine Group, Robinson Interiors and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Holton Marine, Maxwell Marine, Whiting Power Systems, Harken New Zealand – Fosters, Events Clothing, Kit Carlier Design, McMullen & Wing, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, Q-West, NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation, Mount Gay Rum, COAST New Zealand, Hancocks and our media sponsors The Superyacht Owner and Ocean Media.

Janice of Wyoming has taken line honours in a muscular performance on Orams Marine Race Day.
 
Glowering clouds greeted the fleet of the 2016 NZ Millennium Cup as they moved off into a Bay of Islands morning on this; the first day of the regatta.

With mist filling the valleys of the Bay, the fleet of eight lined up to race the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta. Wind conditions meant race officials selected a short course for racing. Course three would take entries from the mouth of the Bay of Islands, around the Orams Marine buoy, out to picturesque Roberton Island with its distinctive horseshoe lagoon, before flinging them out to Ninepin Island, back to the Orams Marine buoy and then off to the finish line.

Classen-built Shamoun was first over the line at 11.30, blasting a fast path down to the start, made all the more impressive for the last minute leap aboard by a crew member from a tender flying alongside. With a quick flick around the committee boat she was off and racing for the mouth of the Bay.

The 33 metre was followed shortly by 28-metre Tawera, before the three yachts in the Pacific Division - Antaeus, Allegro and Steinlager - and then fellow Claasen-build Kealoha set off in hot pursuit.

Seasoned campaigners Silvertip and Janice of Wyoming prowled the start line, with the cruise ship looming in front of Paihia adding perspective to the agility of the two Dubois-designed yachts. The two heavyweights were packed to the gunnels with competitive sailors and raring to go.

At 12.05, Janice of Wyoming stormed for the line, bearing down on the committee boat with an aggressive bent that left no doubt as to her intentions in the race. Yachting Developments’ -built Silvertip followed at 12.20, and the race was on.
 
Janice of Wyoming was beating a wide line to the first mark, while the rest of the fleet had tacked earlier and were beating a line for the Orams Marine buoy, on the northern side of Roberton Island. The rising of Shamoun’s distinctive red spinnaker signalled that the first across the line had been the first to round the mark, though she was being hunted down by a fleet hungry for line honours.

By the second mark, Steinlager II had overhauled the fleet, with 27.5-metre Kealoha close behind, then Allegro; looking aggressive in chase.
 
However there was a larger threat coming from behind. Janice of Wyoming outstripped Tawera and Shamoun as they rounded the mark and was off with the leaders in her sights. The 40-metre made a sharp tack to beat upwind after the leaders, who had already executed a neat turn towards the Ninepin.

The Pacific Division’s 20-metre, Antaeus passed Tawera, before the larger yacht made a swift tack. The fleet had all turned for the Ninepin when Silvertip rounded the mark, showing clearly just how much ground she’d made, while at the head of the pack Steinlager 2 was extending her lead over Kealoha.
 
Approaching the Ninepin, Tawera fell prey to Janice of Wyoming, and then the fleet was off and racing for the last mark and then home.
 
Steinlager 2 made winning the Pacific Division look easy as she crossed first, with her fleet of Allegro and Antaeus working their way up the Bay.

Kealoha held her lead in the Millennium Cup division as they turned down the Bay, but it was not to be. Janice of Wyoming had sailed a powerful race and, on the stretch for home, with the big cowboy spinnaker flying, she crossed the line a triumphant first.
 
Silvertip was flying down towards the line, but Kealoha held her lead to take second place, with Silvertip close behind. Tawera’s big white spinnaker with the distinctive blue motif was visible on the horizon as she and Shamoun appeared behind the islands of the Bay to the spectators on the line.

It was Tawera who crossed the line ahead however, to cheers from the committee boat. The Shamoun was charging for the line to bring the day’s racing to a close. The Claasen classic sped for the line with all the grace you’d expect from the last classic superyacht built in the 20th century.

The Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings/Port Opua, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Dubois, Breed Media, Integrated Marine Group, Robinson Interiors and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Holton Marine, Maxwell Marine, Whiting Power Systems, Harken New Zealand – Fosters, Events Clothing, Kit Carlier Design, McMullen & Wing, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, Q-West, NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation, Mount Gay Rum, COAST New Zealand, Hancocks and our media sponsors The Superyacht Owner and Ocean Media.

The South Pacific’s premier regatta is officially underway, with a welcome function hosting owners, crew and sponsors of the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta. ​

With Peter Montgomery, MBE’s, iconic voice ringing out over the Bay of Islands, the countdown to the 2016 New Zealand Millennium Cup is over.

Tonight, 26 January, saw a welcome function kicking off festivities as owners, crew and sponsors were welcomed to the most southerly superyacht regatta in the world. The well-known voice of sailing drew attention to the history of the Duke of Marlborough which hosted the event; renowned for entertaining adventurers, reprobates and rascals since the birth of the modern New Zealand nation.

The regatta, staged by the NZ Marine Export Group, is held in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands; one of the world’s great natural playgrounds. From 26 to 29 of January, eight boats will race in the emerald waters off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, through challenging courses that make the most of the stunning scenery.
 
Kealoha, Tawera, and Shamoun, form three of the four new entries in the regatta, alongside Allegro in the Pacific division – joining experienced campaigners Janice of Wyoming and Silvertip, Antaeus and Steinlager II.
 
Janice of Wyoming, the 40m sloop built by Alloy Yachts and designed by silver sponsor Dubois, knows the Millennium Cup well, competing in the last four regattas.
 
Former champion and one of Janice’s rivals, 33.8m Silvertip will also return this year. Built by gold sponsor Yachting Developments and also designed by Dubois, Silvertip is a stunning high-performance sloop launched in 2002 with a history of successful campaigns in the NZ Millennium Cup.

After a 20-year absence from New Zealand shores, Tawera (ex Catalyst) will also join the fleet and this year’s regatta also welcomes Kealoha, a 27.5 metre sloop from the Netherland’s Claasen Shipyards and Hoek Design. A charter vessel fully equipped for worldwide cruising, Captain James Saddington says he’s excited to bring Kealoha down to the South Pacific to race in the picturesque Bay of Islands in what will be her first NZ Millennium Cup regatta.
 
This might be experienced campaigner, Shamoun’s first Millennium Cup, but she is no stranger to racing, having competed in the St Bart’s Bucket Regatta, the Superyacht Cup in Palma, and most recently the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous.
 
The Cup is supported by a number of sponsors, including platinum sponsor Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Smuggler Marine, Far North Holdings/Port Opua, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Dubois, Breed Media, Integrated Marine Group, Robinson Interiors and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Holton Marine, Maxwell Marine, Whiting Power Systems, Harken New Zealand – Fosters, Events Clothing, Kit Carlier Design, McMullen & Wing, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, Q-West, NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation, Mount Gay Rum, COAST New Zealand, Hancocks and our media sponsors The Superyacht Owner and Ocean Media.

With the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta just around the corner, Ed Dubois gives his considered opinion on the New Zealand superyacht industry.

It is no secret that returning NZ Millennium Cup sponsor Ed Dubois has a unique connection with New Zealand. With over 40 Dubois Naval Architects designs built in the country over the last 30 years, this designer understands better than most the skill, expertise and passion that lies at the heart of New Zealand’s superyacht industry.

For him, the NZ Millennium Cup regatta is intrinsically linked to the marine mastery within Kiwis’ DNA.
 
“It’s good to be back supporting this regatta once again,” he says. “The Millennium Cup had its origins in the success New Zealand had, and continues to have, in the America’s Cup. That connection is very important and emphasises the continued excellence of New Zealand’s marine industry. Add to this 2015’s inspired decision to move the regatta to the Bay of Islands, which ensures that all those taking part are blessed with some the best sailing and coastal scenery in the world.”
 
The last few years have undoubtedly been extremely difficult for the Kiwi superyacht industry. For Dubois, it is key that events like the NZ Millennium Cup remind the world of not just the beauty of New Zealand, but of the prowess of its superyacht realm.

“Dramatic changes have undeniably been seen in the New Zealand superyacht sector in recent years,” he says. “This has been a loss to the world industry, but I have complete confidence that we will see a strong re-emergence. When cyclical tough times come along ‘the boat’ is usually the first thing to go for owners, but confidence eventually returns.”
 
Pointing to shipyards like Yachting Developments who have evolved over the years into multi-faceted companies, Dubois argues that strength has come from diversification in New Zealand. “It is easy for me to come from Europe saying things about confidence in the Kiwi spirit, but perhaps you can understand me for saying just that on this occasion, having witnessed the New Zealand industry’s fine work for over 30 years” He finishes:- “There is a well-known expression ‘you can’t keep a good man down’ and New Zealand has four million very good men and women. The NZ Millennium Cup is a celebration of this country and its spirit.”
 
The Dubois Yachts team is busy with several new orders in discussion, including a 45m sailing yacht design announced in December 2015.

Running from 26 to 29 January in the stunning Bay of Islands, the New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a dedicated committee of some of New Zealand's most pre-eminent superyacht industry figures. A celebration of great racing, matchless cruising grounds, exceptional hospitality and innovative industry, this one-of-a-kind regatta is not to be missed.

The regatta is supported by a raft of international companies, including platinum sponsor, Orams Marine, and gold sponsors Yachting Developments, Doyle Sails New Zealand, Far North Holdings/Port Opua and Smuggler Marine.

Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, Dubois Yachts, Integrated Marine Group, Southern Spars/North Sails and Robinson Interiors. Thanks also goes to Holton Marine, Maxwell, Whiting Power Systems, Harken New Zealand - Fosters, Events Clothing, Q-West, McMullen and Wing, Tourism NZ, Kit Carlier, COAST, Hancocks and our media sponsors The Superyacht Owner and Ocean Media. 

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is set to get underway on the 26 January with an excited fleet ready to race in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds.
 
After a standout 2015 regatta, the sunny Bay of Islands is set to host its second New Zealand Millennium Cup, and with just a week to go until racing begins, entries are making their way to New Zealand’s Far North.
 
From 26 to 29 of January, eight boats will race in the emerald waters off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, through challenging courses that make the most of the stunning scenery. The eighth edition of the Cup will see a balance of first time entries and long-time competitors face off in a sensational few days in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds.
 
Four new entries will line up for the regatta – Kealoha, Tawera, Shamoun, and in the Pacific division, Allegro – keeping experienced campaigners Janice of Wyoming and Silvertip on their toes throughout the week.
 
Janice of Wyoming, the 40m sloop built by Alloy Yachts and designed by silver sponsor Dubois, knows the Millennium Cup well, competing in the last four regattas. Named after her owner’s home state in the US, the Ed Dubois design launched in 2005 and has sailed all over the globe, but her familiarity with New Zealand waters, and her Cup experience, will stand her in good stead for the regatta. After a winter refit at platinum sponsor Orams Marine last year, Janice is ready and raring to go.
 
Former champion and one of Janice’s rivals, 33.8m Silvertip will also return this year. Built by gold sponsor Yachting Developments and also designed by Dubois, Silvertip is a stunning high-performance sloop launched in 2002 to much fanfare – winning both the International Superyacht Society award and the Showboats Design Award for Best Sailing Yacht upon her launch. Silvertip won the 2009 and 2012 Millennium Cup; a podium position Captain Blair McLeod would love to have again.
 
After a 20-year absence from New Zealand shores, Tawera (ex Catalyst) will also join the fleet. While she spends most of her time as a charter yacht in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, Tawera’s owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney joined Silvertip for last year’s regatta, and decided he had to come back – this time with his own boat. The 28-metre, 1995 Alloy Yachts build has every opportunity to take out this year’s Cup.
 
This year’s regatta welcomes Kealoha, a 27.5 metre sloop from the Netherland’s Claasen Shipyards and Hoek Design. Upon launch, Kealoha impressed the worldwide sailing community, picking up the 2007 International Superyacht Design Award in the Best Sailing Yacht: 24m – 40m category. A charter vessel fully equipped for worldwide cruising, Captain James Saddington says he’s excited to bring Kealoha down to the South Pacific to race in the picturesque Bay of Islands in what will be her first NZ Millennium Cup regatta.
 
While this will be Shamoun’s first Millennium Cup, she is no stranger to racing, having competed in the St Bart’s Bucket Regatta, the Superyacht Cup in Palma, and most recently the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. Another Claasen Shipyards-build and Hoek design, 33 metre Shamoun won Best Sailing Yacht at the 2013 Singapore Boat Show. As the last classic yacht to have been built in the 20th century, she’s looking forward to showing the newer models what she can do on the water.
 
With last year’s Pacific division title coming down to a winner-takes-all final race, the division has added another yacht – Allegro – to compete with 2015’s champion Steinlager II and Antaeus. Allegro comes to the race, hot off the back of a fierce Sydney to Hobart race and is looking forward to stretching her legs in the very different conditions of the Bay of Islands. The Azzura Yachts-built, Warwick 67 is known for her speed without sacrificing style.

New Zealand legend, Steinlager 2, is set to thrill local crowds, as she races around the course in top condition after her extensive 2014 refit with gold sponsor, Yachting Developments. The maxi yacht holds a place dear to New Zealanders’ hearts for her exceptional race record, including being the only yacht to have won all six legs of the Whitbread Round the World race.

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

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

Thanks also goes to Holton Marine, Maxwell Marine, Whiting Power Systems, Harken New Zealand – Fosters, Events Clothing, Kit Carlier Design, McMullen & Wing, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, Q-West, NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation, Mount Gay Rum, COAST New Zealand, Hancocks and our media sponsors The Superyacht Owner and Ocean Media.