In less then two months, the Millennium Cup superyacht race in New Zealand will take place once again, starting what will become an annual competition. The Millennium Cup had its debut in 2000, when Team New Zealand defended the America’s Cup in its home waters.
Yachting Development´s 34m super yacht SILVERTIP
The idea was to thank superyacht owners and crew for visiting Auckland and nearby regions. It was also a way to introduce more people to the area’s builders, refit facilities, and related businesses.
A repeat regatta was held in 2003, with the intention of doing the same every two to three years. Unfortunately, that did not occur, but organizers now feel confident an annual event in the Hauraki Gulf will be well attended.
44m sailing yacht IMAGINE by Alloy Yachts
Besides showcasing the local industry, the Millennium Cup is being positioned as the premiere superyacht event of the South Pacific.
So far five yachts are confirmed for the Millennium Cup 2012, being held on 16-18 February. Among them is Yachting Development‘s 34m (102ft) Silvertip superyacht, which won the Millennium Cup in 2003.
Charter Yacht Pacific Eagle
The remaining four competitors — 31m (102ft) charter yacht Pacific Eagle, 49m (161ft) charter yacht Georgia, 40m (131ft) sailing yacht Janice of Wyoming and 44m (144ft) super yacht Imagine — were all built by Alloy Yachts.
Alloy Yachts superyacht Georgia
Despite all of the Millennium Cup’s confirmed competitors being sailing yachts, motoryachts are also welcome. The motoryachts will naturally depart before the sailing yachts on race days. The courses include Waiheke Island, Waitemata Harbour, Kawau Island, as well as the East Coast Bays region and Hibiscus Coast area. All of the locales provide spectator viewing spots on land and on water.
