As the regatta returns to Auckland for the second year in a row, early entries have been quick to confirm their participation prior to the Notice of Race release, with six entries already signed up and more to come after an exceptional 2024 edition.

“We really enjoyed our time at the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta. From the first con-tact right through to racing, 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,” says Burger van der Walt, captain of Perseus^3, 2024 NZ Millennium Cup winner.

“The course is well laid out for all sized vessels, captains were consulted in race planning and our deep draft was accommodated. It’s very intimate, very welcoming, and very well organ-ised. If you want to experience racing down under, you need to race this regatta.”

The regatta will be raced on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour from 1-4 February.

“We’re thrilled to officially release the Notice of Race,” says organiser Stacey Cook.

“We had a number of yachts who were eager to enter, and we have some incredible yachts lining up for 2025, including Sea Eagle, Sassafras, Sharlou, Janice of Wyoming, Kawil and Legend.”

Sponsors have been quick to lend their support with Platinum Sponsor Orams Marine return-ing to the regatta. Also returning is Gold Sponsor Royal Huisman, who are pleased to an-nounce they will be making the journey from the Netherlands and joining the regatta onsite when it kicks off in February next year, with award-winning innovator WASSP also joining as a gold sponsor.

“Being part of the NZ Millennium Cup is a great opportunity for our WASSP Ocean Solutions team to engage closely with other marine industry leaders and our world-class customers in a typically-relaxed Kiwi environment; that is, until the racing starts,” says Gareth Hodson, man-aging director of ENL Group.

Fellow Gold Sponsors Southern Spars/North Sails, and Smuggler Marine are also returning to the regatta, alongside a host of supporting companies who will join the line up.

“Racing the regatta in the heart of our harbour city is an experience we love to give to our guests,” says 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.”

The regatta’s headquarters form a private enclave in the heart of central Auckland, giving owners, crew and the race teams a spot to gather and discuss the day’s racing as soon as they step off.

New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland sits on an isthmus between two large harbours with the natural playground long-revered by sailors. With award-winning superyacht marinas and refit yards, and thriving entertainment precincts fringing the water, it’s a location which lends itself to world-class regattas and enjoyable events both on and off the ocean.

Entry to the regatta is open now and entry forms are available from www.millenniumcup.com

The NZ Millennium Cup 2025 will be raced in Auckland from 1-4 February. It’s the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta and is becoming well-known as a must-do regatta for yacht owners who like to get off the beaten track.

The regatta is designed to highlight the importance of the superyacht sector in New Zealand’s marine industry, as well as showcase some of the country’s most striking cruising grounds in a unique manner.

The Organising Authority is the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee. www.millenniumcup.com

by Kate McKechnie