The official Notice of Race for the 2026 edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup has been unveiled. Organisers are now inviting entries to the regatta, which is taking place in Auckland from 31 January to 3 February.
One of the South Pacific's top superyacht regattas, the Millennium Cup has seen steady growth over previous editions, attracting some of the world's most prestigious and recognisable racing sail yachts to battle it out in its waters.
This year's event concluded with a high-stakes victory for the 34.1-metre Kawil, which made a clean sweep for the finish line and cemented her position as a two-time Cup winner. It also marked the first regatta appearance of the 81-metre Sea Eagle, Royal Huisman's second-largest sailing yacht to date.
"We’re thrilled to officially release the Notice of Race," said organiser Stacey Cook. "We’ve had yachts waiting to enter, which makes us very excited for the racing to come in 2026."
The four-day event will be raced against the backdrop of Waitemata Harbour, nearby to the regatta's headquarters, which have been located in the heart of central Auckland since 2023.
"Racing the regatta in the heart of our harbour city is an experience we love to give to our guests,” continued Cook. "These are the waters which have hosted America’s Cup showdowns, Volvo Ocean Race starts and honed generations of New Zealand sailors, so we know they’re a challenging, and very picturesque, place to race."
"We really enjoyed our time at the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta. The people are genuine, and it was the most down-to-earth, real, fun and welcoming experience; it’s a regatta the way regattas should be," said Burgen van der Walt, captain of 2024 winner Perseus^3.
Entry to the regatta is now open, with entry forms available online.
Read More/New Zealand’s Millennium Cup superyacht regatta moves to Auckland