New Entries Set to Race at New Zealand Millennium Cup
The South Pacific’s superyacht regatta will move from the Bay of Islands to Auckland in 2024. Three new entries have joined the NZ Millennium Cup line up and organizers are excited for the return of this event over 23-26 February since its last edition in 2021. This event will mark the debut of the 2024 versions of the ORC Superyacht rule and ORC Multihull rule, with principal race officer Harold Bennett providing race management.
Lining up to compete in the NZ Millennium Cup division, PERSEUS^3 brings with her an excellent reputation after competing in regattas around the world. The 60 meter Perini Navi-built yacht was the first from the yard to feature a carbon bowsprit, which adds to her 78 meter carbon fiber mast and carbon fiber standing rigging.
Leading the strong interest in the inaugural multihull division, 18.5 metre performance sailing catamaran CAT+ION comes from the drawing board of Roger Hill Design and features an excellent sail area to displacement ratio which will see her be competitive on the course. Joining her in the Multihull division is the 20 meter Gunboat OUTNUMBERED. Bringing with her the renowned performance of the Gunboat 66 model, a fierce competition is on the horizon.
Organizers are also pleased to announce a new addition joining the Cup's celebrated events: Happy Hour presented by Yachting Developments. Happy Hour by Yachting Developments has been designed to give crew a chance to debrief after racing, perched on the racing dock's homebase overlooking the Waitematā. With a homebase facing the water and showcasing a first glimpse of COAST New Zealand's new season luxury outdoor collection, we predict this new addition will soon be a firm favorite.
The NZ Millennium Cup will also mark the start of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival and a first of its kind for Tāmaki Makaurau, celebrating the region’s love affair with the ocean with a range of events and activities on and off the water from 24 February – 24 March. The festival includes sailing regattas, superyachts, boat shows, and a free festival hub on Te Wero Island in the Viaduct featuring free entertainment and education for all ages. Discover more information at Moana Auckland.
As the New Zealand Millennium Cup gets underway on 23 February, it will mark the start of a buzzing month-long celebration of all things ocean.
Drawing attention to New Zealand’s beautiful cruising grounds, skilled workforce and innovative industry, we’re looking forward to delivering an event which showcases the best of our superyacht sector in a relaxed, recognisably-Kiwi style. A key focus of the regatta is to encourage extended cruising within the country, and the committee will be working closely with the wider industry to ensure yachts are aware of the diversity New Zealand waters present, as well as the opportunity for world-leading refit and repair services.
