THE BIGGEST MILLENNIUM CUP YET?

A TORRENT OF early entries for next year’s Millennium Cup in the Bay of Islands may produce the largest fleet of superyachts since the event was inaugurated in 2000.

Six months out from the race (24-27 January) the organisers have fielded entries from Janice of Wyoming, Steinlager 2, Tawera and Antaeus.

“Last year’s regatta saw the largest fleet race since the dawn of the millennium in 2000 and it enjoyed a media reach of over 31 million people,” says NZ Marine Export Group chairman Stuart Robinson. “2017’s event is expected to swell in rank and coverage yet again.”

Fresh from the Superyacht Cup in Palma, platinum sponsor Orams Marine’s managing director Craig Park says that “interest in racing down south has matured – seasoned skippers and owners are looking to our shores for their next adventure as well as refit work.

“We have another fully-booked season with several high-quality boats coming to us for refit or returning to Orams Marine Village; we see this as reflecting a growing understanding of what New Zealand offers in terms of both Kiwi craftsmanship and cruising.

“Two more superyachts we have undertaken significant refits on are tipped to enter the 2017 NZ Millennium Cup within the next few weeks (one of which will be new to the regatta). We look forward to giving the crews a fantastic event to enjoy when they come down.”

In a move to ensure last year’s winner Tawera sails to her potential, owner Mike Mahoney plans to undertake an upgrade of systems here in New Zealand while ridding the Ron Holland-designed ketch of excess fuel and cruising gear. In addition, the world-renowned designer himself is set to return to New Zealand to compete in the regatta aboard Tawera.

Sporting sail wardrobes fitted by gold sponsor Doyle Sails New Zealand, Yachting Developments’ alumni Steinlager 2 and Antaeus both announced their return to the Pacific Cup division.

Antaeus, now jointly-owned by Charles St. Clair Brown and Peter Harris, has had a recent upgrade to her systems in Auckland. With several “sailing legends” due to sail aboard her, competition is heating up in a regatta that will combine a mix of seasoned campaigners and up-and-coming new crew. For more information visit www.millenniumcup.com.