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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a group of dedicated New Zealand superyacht figures. With three days of high quality racing, exceptional hospitality and stunning views in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world, this event is truly unique and a must do for adventurous owners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a group of dedicated New Zealand superyacht figures. With three days of high quality racing, exceptional hospitality and stunning views in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world, this event is truly unique and a must do for adventurous owners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was tight right to the end, but at the line it was Ammonite which bested Silvertip; crossing two minutes and 30 seconds in front of the repeat campaigner.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a group of dedicated New Zealand superyacht figures. With three days of high quality racing, exceptional hospitality and stunning views in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world, this event is truly unique and a must do for adventurous owners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The regatta begins in earnest tomorrow with two races expected to take place in order to make the most of the conditions. Entries Silvertip, Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras, Tawera, Enso and Ammonite will be taking to the course from 11am, working to a 50% handicap system to ensure close racing.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a group of dedicated New Zealand superyacht figures. With three days of high quality racing, exceptional hospitality and stunning views in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world, this event is truly unique and a must do for adventurous owners

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

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

Introducing the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club

We’re pleased to introduce an exciting new supporter of this year’s NZ Millennium Cup. The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club will be proudly supporting our Wednesday evening festivities at the Duke of Marlborough, while entry Ammonite will be racing under the Royal Nomuka burgee.
Adventurer, Don McIntyre now calls Nomuka Iki home after a lifetime of adventures which have taken him around the world. The beautiful, uninhabited island in the Kingdom of Tonga is owned by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a-'Ulukalala, who in October 2015 raised the burgee of the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club there for the first time.

“While Tongan sailors used to rule the Pacific, sadly they no longer sail. They are the only Pacific nation not a part of the Oceania Sailing Federation and I hope to reverse this with the first ever sail training fleet of six optimist dinghies including rescue boat and safety gear now in Tonga,” says McIntyre.

“The first challenge is to teach the kids to swim, then form the Tongan Sailing Federation before finally joining the Oceania Sailing Federation. Once the Club house is built, we start local construction of Five 6.5m Tahiti Wayfarer, twin hull ethnic sailing canoes, with Crab Claw sails and traditional Polynesian steering oars. A nine-day live-in formal VAKA sailing school will then train Tongan youth 15-25 in the culture, history and skill of sailing traditional craft. Ultimately we will introduce Lasers and Hobbie 16’s.”

McIntyre’s organisation, McIntyre Adventure is underwriting and kick starting the entire operation, which will cover the Optimist training fleet and teaching aids at a cost of AU$34,000, RNYC building and infrastructure AU$240,000 and five 6.5m Vakas AU$50,000.

“We hope to find passionate new supporters and partners in this important Tongan effort to reintroduce this lost art to young Tongans. We will launch that drive globally at the NZ 2018 Millennium Cup."

The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club is offering the following sponsor packages:
1. Six-year sponsorship and signage on each Optimist for AU$4000.
2. Three founding partnerships in the RNYC for AU$40,000.
3. Six-year sponsorship and signage of a VAKA (2019-2023) are available for AU$6000.
4. Life membership to the RNYC (subject to approval by a flag officer) are available for AU$1000. Annual general membership is only AU$50.

“Marcus Blackmore and Caroline Furlong have become our first life members and Blackmores Laboratories has accepted one of the three RNYC Founding Partnerships. Two remain,” says McIntyre.   

“The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club welcomes Ammonite to its register of member yachts and as Commodore, I am very excited to be sailing onboard with Marcus Blackmore and flying our Burgee as a RNYC entry in the 2018 Millennium Cup,” he continues.

The RNYC is proud to be Host Yacht Club and organiser of the 50th Anniversary  www.GoldenGlobeRace.com with all 26 entrants now honorary members. McIntyre Adventure is also underwriter of this event. This solo non-stop race around the world is attracting huge global interest. The 2018 Golden Globe Race celebrates traditional values and a return to the golden age of sailing. That means sailing small rugged traditional yachts up to 36ft long without the benefit of satellite based navigation aids or any digital equipment. Skippers must navigate using sextant, paper charts and wind-up chronometer, and record their experiences on paper, tape and celluloid film. Like the original 1968 Sunday Times Race, the 2018 Golden Globe Race is very simple.

Depart Les Sables d’Olonne France 1st July 2018 and sail solo around the world via the five great capes.
Return to Les Sables d’Olonne without stopping.

The challenge is pure and very raw; one based on human endeavour that sets this event apart as the greatest test of personal endurance and character.

Royal Nomuka Yacht Club

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We want to see the photos and action crew and guests capture from their unique angle onboard, and we've got prizes for the best shots. Upload photos of the action on the water to Instagram or Facebook, tag in the Millennium Cup and use the tag #racelikewedo to be in to win a magnum of champagne.

Make sure the post is set to public so we can see all your great shots, and tag in the name of your boat so we can make sure your prize gets to you. Winners will be announced at Friday evening's prizegiving. 

​Good luck!

Instagram: @millenniumcup_regatta
Facebook: @NewZealandMillenniumCup

A former America’s Cup principal race officer heads up the Race Committee of the NZ Millennium Cup, as previous competitors encourage yachts heading south for the Pacific season to get involved in the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta.

With just 15 days to go until the 2018 superyacht regatta season begins, organisers of the first regatta of the year, the NZ Millennium Cup, are reporting strong interest. The entry of Oyster 825, Enso coincided with news Bucket Rating/International Superyacht Rule creator Jim Teeters will travel to New Zealand to handicap the race onsite.

“We’re seeing an increase in superyachts and industry figures wanting to travel to this part of the world,” says organiser Stacey Cook. “New Zealand’s America’s Cup win has seen a resurgence of interest in cruising New Zealand while the wider South Pacific is expected to experience a bumper 2018 season.”

The regatta is raced in the Bay of Islands, one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, and its reputation amongst owners has spread via word of mouth. "We have raced the NZ Millennium Cup multiple times with Silvertip since its first edition in 2000, and won it twice. Racing in the Bay of Islands surrounded by a dolphin pod playing at the bow is always a treat. The organisation is flawless, the scenery second to none and the racing quite competitive.

Any superyacht cruising in the Pacific should make a point doing the NZ Millennium Cup,” says the owner of S/Y Silvertip. With the release of the Notice of Race, it has been announced that former America’s Cup principal race officer, Harold Bennett will act as the Cup’s officer of the day, bringing his extensive experience to bear to ensure competitive, exciting racing. Fellow New Zealand sailing legend Peter Montgomery will be onsite, while Tom Schnackenberg and Olympians Matt Belcher and Will Ryan will make up some of the crew onboard the six entrants who have registered to date.

​ “Sailing is in New Zealanders’ DNA,” continues Cook. “The NZ Millennium Cup regatta is unique in that race crew are often comprised of a mix of America’s Cup and round-the-world sailors which makes for skilled racing - while they also enjoy showing off their home waters to superyacht owners. For the owners who come to this adventurous pocket of the world the result is an incredible regatta that couldn’t be recreated anywhere else.” 

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2018’s edition will be raced in New Zealand’s subtropical playground of the Bay of Islands from 23 - 26 January. 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. 

Headed by the NZ Marine Export Group and a dedicated committee, the event is 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.

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.