Superyacht and J Class Events Around 36th America’s Cup

Ahead of the 36th America’s Cup in New Zealand, officials have announced a series of 11 events including superyacht regattas, J Class regattas, superyacht fishing competitions and island cruises for visiting yachts and fans.

These provide an opportunity for visitors to discover some of New Zealand’s most beautiful cruising grounds with activities run by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and NZMarine. Scheduled between January 2020 and March 2021, the events are designed for both sailing and motor yachts and timed to fit around America’s Cup World Series, Prada Cup challenger and America’s Cup Match events. 

“New Zealand is very much looking forward to 2021; not only will the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron host the 36th America’s Cup but we’ll also hold our very own sesquicentennial (150th) celebrations,” says Aaron Young, vice commodore and chair, America’s Cup 36 and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

“We have a huge range of events and regattas for all types of boat; from superyachts, J Class to foiling dinghy events planned in what will be a memorable couple of years. Visiting vessels can expect friendly, down-to-earth Kiwi hospitality, great sailing conditions and some of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds.”

Image: Auckland City New Zealand by Chris McClennam, courtesy of Tourism NZ

Peter Busfield, executive director, NZMarine comments, “New Zealand has some of the most beautiful harbours and islands in the world and with great sailing conditions and plenty of fish to catch, we want to make sure that our superyacht visitors can experience it all”.

Additional superyacht facilities are currently being built to increase superyacht marina berths to over 100 spaces in the America’s Cup and adjacent areas. Orams Marine has also been given the go-ahead to build a new superyacht refit and haulout yard complete with 820 tonne travel lift, adjacent to its existing facilities in downtown Auckland. 

“While it might seem like a long way to come, our team at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron are doing all we can to make it easy to get to Auckland, and can assist with anything from berthage to organising parties. I very much welcome you to enjoy and celebrate not only AC36 in Auckland, but also what will be a festival and celebration of sailing in 2021.” says Young.

Applications for entries are now open along with opportunities for sponsorship. Please contact stacey@nzmarine.com, jclassregattas@rnzys.org.nz,

Image: Silvertip Racing in the Millennium Cup, Jeff Brown

Full line up of events around the 36th Americas Cup: 

January/February 2020
Wednesday 29th January to Saturday 1 February
NZ Millennium Cup Superyacht Regatta Bay of Islands in Association with Russell Boating Club

October 2020
Auckland On Water Boat Show, America’s Cup Village

End of Year 2020
America’s Cup World Series for America’s Cup Defender and all Challengers
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf

December 2020
31 December
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron New Year’s Eve Race to Kawau Island 25NM north of Auckland

January 2021
The Prada Cup America’s Cup Challenger Series starts
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf

Friday 1st
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron 150th anniversary and New Year’s Day around Kawau Island race 

Sunday 3rd
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron cruise to Great Barrier Island 

February 2021
Saturday 13
Bay of Islands Swordfish Club - Superyacht Fishing Competition, Russell, presented by NZMarine 

Monday 15th to Thursday 18th
New Zealand Millennium Cup Superyacht Regatta
Bay of Islands, Russell, Presented by NZMarine

Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th
J Class Yacht Regatta - Bay of Islands, Russell
Presented by NZMarine 

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Superyacht Regatta Auckland

March 2021
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th
J Class Yacht Regatta - Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf presented by Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron 

Saturday 6th (am)
J Class exhibition race Auckland - presented by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Saturday 6th to Sunday 21st
36th America’s Cup Match - Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf