The 2016 NZ Millennium Cup saw a fantastic first day come to an end, as eight outstanding vessels competed for the position in the emerald waters of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Amongst these yachts were two Claasen boats designed by Andre Hoek: the 33m sloop SHAMOUN and the Truly Classic 90 KEALOHA.
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A short course for racing was selected by the race officials, due to the wind conditions, with the superyachts racing from the mouth of the Bay of Islands, around the Orams Marine buoy, out to Roberton Island, before flinging them out to Ninepin Island, back to Orams Marine buoy and then towards the finish line. Claasen’s charter yacht SHAMOUN was first over the line at 11:30 blasting a fast path down to the start. Added excitement was created when one of the crew members had to leap aboard form a tender flying alongside.
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Further into the race, charter yacht KEALOHA was leading the Millennium Cup division as the yachts turned down the bay. However, it was Janice of Wyoming that sailed a powerful race and crossed the finish line as the winner. KEALOHA did held onto the second place however, despite the tough competition. SHAMOUN also shows fabulous performance with all the grace one would expect from the last classic superyacht constructed in the 20th century.
