SUPERYACHT DUEL
The 2020 edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup (29 January – 1 February) has attracted unprecedented interest from the international superyacht market – heralding the start of a bumper series of superyacht events leading into next year’s 36th America’s Cup.
The most-recent big name to come onboard is Italian superyacht powerhouse, Benetti Yachts, which joins last month’s signing, Royal Huisman.
“Benetti is very pleased to join the New Zealand Millennium Cup,” says Peter Mahony – Asia Pacific general manager at Benetti Yachts. “With the 36th America’s Cup fast approaching for New Zealand, we see the opportunity for superyachts to explore the amazing South Pacific and we hope this will include many Benetti yachts.”
“We see the addition of Benetti to the sponsorship family as a significant milestone as we build towards 2021,” adds organiser Stacey Cook. “It’s very rare for a motoryacht builder to be involved with a sailing event, but it demonstrates the high level of interest we are receiving from the global superyacht industry.”
The Royal Huisman build Sassafras will return to this year’s race, as will previous competitors Silvertip, Tawera and Janice
of Wyoming. The 34m Kawil is a new entrant. Entries have also rolled in for 2021 with Cilliam and Black Sails already entering, along with Janice of Wyoming, Sassafras and Silvertip.
This year’s regatta once again takes place in the Bay of Islands, with race headquarters in the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel – it received New Zealand’s first liquor license in 1840. It’s the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta and is gaining a reputation as a must-do regatta for yacht owners who like to get off the beaten track.
The 2021 edition of the event runs from 15-18 February 2021, followed by a J-Class Regatta from 22-24 February.
For more information visit www.millenniumcup.com
Millennium Cup queen
The 28m ketch Tawera lifted her skirts and romped home to take the title at this year’s edition of the Millennium Cup – the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta – held in the Bay of Islands. It was the 11th edition of the event.
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. With the approach of the 36th America’s Cup, organisers expect to see the competing fleet swell exponentially over the next three years.
The event attracts yachts with a penchant for adventure and is lauded by entrants for the sense of camaraderie found in this part of the world. “We’re already receiving entry enquiries for 2020 and 2021,” says event organiser, Stacey Cook.
“The J Class Association has also accepted our invitation to race in 2021 and we know having the strikingly-elegant classic yachts race alongside the event will add an extra dimension to our racing.”
At the prizegiving later in the evening at the Duke of Marlborough, Freya’s owner summed up the feel of the regatta. “It’s fantastic to come to this beautiful place, in this beautiful country, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’d like to say thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful, wonderful time.”
The event is organized by the NZ Millennium Cup Committee and the New Zealand Marine Export Group Inc. under the auspices of the Russell Boating Club.
