World’s most-southerly superyacht regatta starts next week

The New Zealand Millennium Cup kicks off on 24 January, with a fleet raring to race in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds.
 
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands will next week play host to a fleet of adventurous superyachts gathering to race in the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta.
 
From 24 to 27 of January, eight yachts will battle it out in the beautiful Bay of Islands, across challenging courses which weave through a cruising ground of uninhabited islets and emerald waters. The ninth NZ Millennium Cup will see repeat campaigners face off against new entries in the race for the title.
 
2016 winner, Tawera (ex Catalyst) will again join the fleet, with owners Mike and Tracy Mahoney ready to race hard to keep the title belonging to their 28-metre, Alloy Yachts build.
 
Fellow Alloy Yachts build, 40-metre Janice of Wyoming, knows the Millennium Cup well, competing in the last five regattas. The Ed Dubois design launched in 2005 and has sailed all over the globe, but her familiarity with New Zealand waters, her Cup experience, and her fiercely competitive crew mean she’s one to watch on the water.
 
Built by gold sponsor Yachting Developments, 33.8metre 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.
 
The three new entries of Pumula, Cavallo and Farfalla won’t make it easy on the experienced campaigners though. The name of 37-metre Pumula, may mean rest in Zulu, but the Royal Huisman is sure to show a strong turn of speed on the course.

Southern Wind’s Farfalla, at 31.78metres, is a yacht built for performance which will cut a sleek figure amongst the boats on the Bay, while high speed, carbon performance yacht, 43-metre Cavallo, is sure to thrill spectators.

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.

Joining her 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 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, Doyle Sails New Zealand and Yachting Developments.
 
Silver sponsors include OnFire Design, Breed Media, COAST New Zealand, Events Clothing and Southern Spars/North Sails.

Thanks also goes to Tourism NZ, Propspeed, Holton Marine, Robinson Interiors, McMullen & Wing, Power Equipment, Q-West and Lancer Industries. We also extend our thanks to suppliers, Rogue Society, East Imperial, and Mount Gay Rum, alongside our media sponsors Superyacht World and Ocean Media.