Superyacht class
Excitement is building for the 2021 Mastercard Superyacht Regatta, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
07 July 2020
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The Mastercard Superyacht Regatta 2021, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) in Auckland, is shaping up to be one of the major on-water events in the world next year with a raft of big-name entries already throwing their hats in the ring as the global superyacht fleet starts to make their way to New Zealand.
The regatta will take place from 23–27 February 2021, beginning with a welcome function on 23 February at the RNZYS that will be followed by four days of racing on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf and among its many surrounding islands.
The regatta will coincide with the Squadron’s 150th sesquicentenary celebrations and RNZYS officials are confident that the event will attract superyacht owners and crew from around the globe.
Hauraki Gulf is renowned for its picturesque but often challenging racing area, with varying conditions and winds predicted to keep the skippers on their toes.
Well-known Harold Bennett will be the principal race officer ensuring some amazing courses are set.
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The off-water aspect won’t disappoint either, with crew happy hours at the RNZYS following each day’s racing, as well as a prize-giving party on the final night, showcasing the authentic and exquisite local cuisine beverages and entertainment that New Zealand has to offer.
Once in Auckland, superyacht owners and crew will also be able to take part in the Prada Challenger Series followed by the 36th America’s Cup Match.
There are also plenty of other events being put on by the RNZYS during this time, including a revamped Youth America’s Cup, off-shore and in-shore races encompassing a range of yacht classes, as well as a multitude of off-water events at the club.
With the current COVID-19 situation gripping the world and providing challenges for travel, the New Zealand government has now provided procedures to allow superyachts to enter New Zealand waters.
The RNZYS has announced a new Motor Yacht division for the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta, which is sure to be popular for motor-powered superyacht owners. RNZYS Vice Commodore Aaron Young says this is a welcome addition to the regatta.
“With so many motor-powered superyachts heading to Auckland next year, we felt it was a no-brainer to get them involved in what is shaping up to be a massive event.”
Young says, “To see these large vessels racing in the harbour alongside the sail powered superyachts is going to be a truly spectacular sight to behold.”
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our club and country for the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta 2021 and show off what the club and Aotearoa has to offer. We encourage all superyacht owners to get their entries in as soon as they can to join us for what is going to be cracking year down-under.”
The RNZYS has already received a solid amount of entries including the likes of Silvertip, The Aquarius, Kawil and Pumula as well as a huge amount of expressions of interest.
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