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.

Reigning champion Kawil will be returning to the Millennium Cup to defend the title after winning the regatta in 2020 - her debut in the New Zealand race. Delivered in 2000 by US shipyard Derecktor, the 34.14 metre sailing yacht can carry up to six guests with five members of crew. Sparkman & Stephens took charge of the interior and exterior designs of the superyacht, which features a distinctive blue hull.

The 39.72 metre sailing yacht Janice of Wyoming will be returning to the Bay of Islands in 2021 to race in the world's most-southerly superyacht regatta once again. Instantly recognisable by the rodeo symbol on her main sail, Janice of Wyoming was designed inside and out by Dubois Naval Architects. This yacht is sure to feel at home in New Zealand waters, as she was delivered there in 2005 by Auckland-based shipyard Alloy Yachts.

After winning the Superyacht Cup Palma in 2018 and Les Voiles de Saint Tropez in 2019, J-Class sailing yacht Velsheda be looking to score a hat-trick at the 2021 Millennium Cup. Launched in 1933 by Camper & Nicholsons, she was the second design for a J-Class and is still, to this day, steaming around the superyacht racing circuit.

The 33 metre Baltic superyacht WinWin certainly lived up to her name when she clinched the overall victory at the Superyacht Cup Palma in 2019, but how will she fare at the 2021 Millennium Cup? The racer-cruiser was built in 2014 to a design by Javier Jaudenes. She's easy to spot among her competitors thanks to her lime green spinnaker.

One of the largest sailing yachts in the world, the 66.87 metre Hetarios is a sight to behold as she charges around the racing course. Delivered in 2011, she's no stranger to the racing circuit, and scooped the top prize at the 2019 St Barths Bucket. As well as an enormous sailplan, Hetairos sports a lifting keel and lifting rudder, enabling her to fulfil her potential while sailing and access shallower anchorages in her downtime.

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.

Southern Wind superyacht Ammonite won the Millennium Cup in 2018 and will be returning to the Bay of Islands to regain her title in 2021. A bright yellow spinnaker sail with a sea-shell motif means she stands out from the rest when she's reaching downwind. Designed by Nauta Yachts, she was launched in 2016 and can sleep up to six guests.