Celebrating its 15th year since the inaugural Cup in 2000, the New Zealand Millenium Cup will run from the 21st to 23rd January 2015 in the country’s Bay of Islands. Organised by the NZ Marine Export Group, the regatta will once again be handicapped to ISYR by Jim Teeters and will run concurrently with New Zealand’s biggest domestic regatta, Bay of Islands Sailing Week
Returning to the race are Janice of Wyoming, Bliss and Silvertip. Entries to date also include five-time circumnavigator, the 50 metre Perini Navi vessel, Silencio, which took third in class at February’s St Barth’s Bucket, and won the 2013 Perini Navi Cup.
In addition will be the 34.2 metre Royal Huisman, Sassafras, with new EC6 carbon rigging by event sponsor Southern Spars. The sloop was designed by Fontaine-Hood for comfort over long distances as well as power under sail.
New Zealand yard Alloy Yachts have returned as a Gold sponsor for the event for another consecutive year. They comment, "For Alloy Yachts, the Millennium Cup gives us the chance to meet with existing and potential clients on home soil. The Cup always has a very relaxed, Kiwi vibe, with polished hospitality and we enjoy showing the global visitors where we come from and how we do things. It's always a thrill to see our yachts out on the course, too!”
Also sponsoring the event this year is OCEAN Independence. Julia Simpson, PR and Events Managers, says, “The Millennium Cup presents an opportunity for the OCEAN Independence Auckland team to support a local New Zealand event and to meet with the passionate supersail yachting community, naturally building awareness of our services and expertise in New Zealand and beyond,” says Julia Simpson, OCEAN Independence PR and events manager.
New Zealand’s Millenium Cup recently opened applications for sponsorship, and have reportedly received a positive response thus far. The regatta is well-supported by local and international suppliers with Mount Gay Rum, Allan Scott Wines, On Fire Design and Coast New Zealand all working to ensure guests receive a fantastic regatta experience.