Of the four yachts that have already declared interest in competing in the next edition of the New Zealand Millenium Cup, it has been confirmed that 34.2 metre Royal Huisman superyacht Sassafras and Alloy Yachts' 28-metre Tawera will be returning to race in 2022.
The notice of race has announced that racing will be held between February 14 to 17 2022, hosted by Auckland’s Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
Longstanding sponors of the regatta have been quick to confirm backing of the next races, and owners wishing to compete are now welcome to send in their applications.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup was inaugurated in 2000 alongside the America’s Cup races and is the longest-running superyacht regatta in the southern hemisphere.
The racecourse varies in length from nine to 12 nautical miles and is always held across the 144 islets of northern New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands.
The racing event has fostered a reputation for fierce competition as well as excellent social events and has been used to promote the cruising highlights of the surrounding area in the Bay of Islands, where the racing takes place.
Despite delays as a result of the pandemic, the 2021 edition was able to go ahead, making it one of the first regattas globally to be held after nearly a year-long wait.
Five sailing yachts raced in the 2021 regatta: 34.2 metre Royal Huisman yacht Sassafras, 44 metre Vitters-built Catalina, 31 metre classic Aschanti IV of Vegesack, 28-metre Tawera and 36.2 metre Miss Silver.
“I now have the absolute best opinion of New Zealand. This event was thoroughly enjoyable, low key, great company and I will be remembering this for a long time to come,” commented the owner of 45 metre Catalina.
The Alloy sailing yacht Miss Silver scooped the prize as overall winner of the 2021 competition, having maintained the lead in all three races.