Racing playground
The New Zealand Millennium Cup dates are confirmed for 2019 and more changes are in store for the race.
24 October 2018
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As next year’s New Zealand Millennium Cup approaches, organisers are making small changes to give the regatta space to grow, including moving the date by one week and introducing new and challenging courses.
The NZ Millennium Cup Regatta will be raced in Northland’s Bay of Islands; one of the world’s great natural playgrounds, from 30 January to 2 February 2019.
The biggest adjustment to race will be moved from ISYR to ORCsy in response to industry feedback.
It’s part of plans to ramp up the race ahead of increased entries building towards the 2021 America’s Cup, setting the stage for very competitive racing.
The regatta’s remit is to bring more yachts, more business and more opportunity to New Zealand shores. New Zealand can offer a multitude of cruising and refit destinations.
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“Having been involved with most other superyacht regattas globally, I can honestly say that the 2018 Millennium Cup was the most enjoyable event I’ve ever done,” said captain of this year’s entry, S/Y Sassafras, Tim Michalick.
The organisation of the racing and evening events was second to none. We thoroughly look forward to taking part again.” Former America’s Cup principle race officer, Harold Bennett will return to lead the race committee with inventor of the ISYR rule, Jim Teeters handicapping the event.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup attracts yachts with a penchant for adventure and was first run as an accompaniment to the 2000 America’s Cup in Auckland. With the 36th America’s Cup headed to New Zealand in 2021, organisers are predicting rapid growth of the regatta fleet over the next three years.
“We’re already receiving entry enquiries; not just for 2019, but 2020 and 2021,” says event organiser, Stacey Cook.
“The J Class Association has also accepted our invitation to race in 2021 and we know having the strikingly-elegant classic yachts race alongside the NZ Millennium Cup will add an extra dimension to our racing.”
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