The sailing yachts racing in the 2021 New Zealand Millennium Cup

Coinciding with the 2021 America's Cup, the New Zealand Millennium Cup is set to host its biggest line-up yet. With the notice of race released, a number of Millennium Cup veterans have already put their names down alongside some new faces too. In anticipation of the regatta, which will take place from February 15-18, BOAT takes a look at the sailing yachts hoping to lift the trophy.

Silvertip

A regular of the New Zealand Millennium Cup, Silvertip has pipped the top prize twice. Built by local Kiwi yard Yachting Developments, the 33.83 metre yacht was launched in 2002 and features exterior design by Dubois Naval Architects. She can accommodate a total of seven people with a crew of four. Her owner is a keen advocate of the event, saying, “The organisation is flawless, the scenery second to none and the racing quite competitive.” After snaring third place in 2020, Silvertip will be eyeing the top spot.

A familiar face at the Millennium Cup since her first appearance in 2015, Sassafras will return to do battle next year. The 34.2 metre aluminium yacht, which was launched by Dutch yard Royal Huisman in 2000, will attempt to better her 2020 fourth place finish. With naval architecture by Ted Hood and exterior design by Ted Fontaine, Sassafras can accommodate a total of eight guests with five crew members.

Based in Auckland, Tawera is no stranger to the Bay of Islands. After losing out on the title in 2018 she returned in 2019 to win the regatta and lift the trophy. After a year off, Tawera will be back and looking to secure another win in the 2021 edition of the Millennium Cup. The 28 metre sailing yacht was delivered in 1995 by Alloy Yachts and is currently offered for sale.

Built by Royal Huisman and delivered in 1986, the 31.36 metre Whirlwind XII will be taking on the Bay of Islands racecourse in this year’s Millennium Cup. Designed by Ron Holland Design, Whirlwind XI accommodates six guests on board as well as five crew members.

Currently listed for sale, the 34.8 metre classic sailing yacht Aschanti IV of Vegesack will demonstrate her competitive edge as she goes head to head at this year's Millennium Cup. Launched in 1954 as Aschanti of Saba, Aschanti IV of Vegesack was built to a design by Henry Gruber. Aschanti IV of Vegesack is a veteran of the world's classic yacht regattas, and has completed several transoceanic journeys

Previously named Sovereign and sold in 2019, the 36.2 metre sailing yacht Miss Silver was originally built in aluminium by New Zealand yard Alloy Yachts in 1995. Designed by Dubois Naval Architects, Miss Silver features an RWD-designed interior with accommodation for eight guests and six crew. This high-performance sloop is capable to fast speeds and is sure to be a real Millennium Cup contender in 2021.