2019 New Zealand Millennium Cup — Superyacht Pacific

Sassafras and Silvertip neck in neck approaching the finish of Race 1

I was fortunate enough to be out on the water again this year onboard the Smuggler Marine Media boats to watch all three days of the New Zealand Millennium Cup. There was plenty of exciting action - watching these large yachts getting sailed competitively is an absolute treat!

This year’s Regatta was run the week following Bay Week, giving a wider variety of course choices for the race committee. Personally, I think that this was a good move as we get closer towards the next America’s Cup given the large number of Superyachts interested in the 2020 and 2021 Millennium Cup Regattas.

There were great starts, exciting mark rounding and superb crew work during the Regatta which would have been the envy of many of the crews racing in Bay Week the previous week. Day 1, “Orams Race Day” saw plenty of wind which gave all five yachts a chance to stretch their legs, and show off their sail wardrobe. “Sassafras” with the addition of a Spinnaker looked particularly fast, coming in third in race 1 and was a contender to take the Regatta. Smuggler Marine’s Strata 900 was Orams Mark on day 1, and with her striking orange powder coated stainless work and accents on the Evinrude Outboards she stood out spectacularly on the course and was an easy mark for the crews to find! Sitting up the bow was an awesome spot to take in the action, with plenty of wind these yachts were powered up and all keen to make their mark on the Regatta. Unfortunately “Sassafras” was forced to withdraw from racing after race 1. They took the withdrawal in good humour, promising to try and take out the Tawera skiff race after the day’s sailing on day 2.

Day 2 “Boat International Race Day”, had a delayed start waiting for the the breeze to build, and we were then again treated to another day of awesome racing. With Tawera coming first in both races and Freya with two Second place finishes, there was a pattern forming for the Regatta. Upon completion of race two, the fleet moved back to Russell to prepare for the second annual running of the Tawera Rum Barrel challenge. With a Fleet of six classic rowing skiffs, the racing was as entertaining as it was competitive. Each yacht fielded teams and it quickly became apparent that the two Ron Holland Ketches “Thalia” and “Tawera” were the teams to beat. T here was plenty of entertainment for all the spectators, oars lost overboard, crew falling off their seats, some coordinated and some very uncoordinated efforts. The “Thalia” crew took out the final race to win the 20 litre rum barrel which they were happy to share with the other competitors and spectators.

Day 3 “New Zealand Marine Race Day” also had a delayed start whilst waiting for the breeze to fill, however, once it did, it was another exciting race set in the spectacular scenery of the Bay of Islands. “Tawera” held on, to claim her third overall Millennium Cup title.

Once again this well run Regatta was a credit to the team from New Zealand Marine who organised it, and to all the sponsors who without their support the event would not be able to go ahead. Of course a special thanks to the owners and crews for entering.

There is already plenty of interest for next year’s event. I can only imagine how exciting it is going be!