NZ Millennium Cup returns
The NZ Millennium Cup, the first major regatta of the 2016 calendar is set to get underway on 26 January. Taking place around the picturesque Bay of Islands, the racing will pit regatta veterans against some new contenders.…
The Bay of Islands is set to host its second New Zealand Millennium Cup, which will take place from 26 to 29 of January.
The event, which represents the first major superyacht regatta of the year, will feature eight vessels competing 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.
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, she 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 2009 and 2012 Millennium Cup editions, a podium position Captain Blair McLeod would love to have again.
While this will be Shamoun’s first Millennium Cup, she is no stranger to racing, having competed in the St Barts Bucket regatta, the Superyacht Cup in Palma, and most recently, the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. Another Claasen Shipyards-build and Hoek design, 33m 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.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a group of dedicated New Zealand superyacht figures, with The Superyacht Owner acting as official media partner. 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.
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