NZ Millennium Cup 2023 Notice of Race Released

The destination of choice for superyachts in February is back, as racing returns to the South Pacific with the New Zealand Millennium Cup in 2023.

After a hiatus in 2022, the 2023 edition of the race is already drawing in yachts with a number of early entries signing up before the official release. Raced in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, the New Zealand Millennium Cup is the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta with superyachts journeying from across the globe to race in the sailing Mecca of New Zealand.

The 144 islets of the Bay of Islands make a startlingly beautiful backdrop for the superyachts which compete in the Cup. February’s summer weather and rising afternoon winds provide perfect racing conditions for this regatta, which has become renowned for its on-water competitiveness and on-land hospitality.

Hoek-designed, Pendennis-built 39 metre Halekai will join the racing for the first time this year, seeing Truly Classic lines return to the Bay. She’ll line up against repeat competitors like 34 metre Royal Huisman-built Sassafras and 40 metre Ed Dubois designed Janice of Wyoming.

“As long-time competitors in the New Zealand Millennium Cup, Sassafras and her crew are excited to be returning to the Bay of Islands for the 2023 edition of this regatta. After missing the 2022 season we look forward to once again racing in one of the world’s best sailing venues,” says S/Y Sassafras captain Matt Lovett. 

“I encourage all superyachts visiting the South Pacific to seriously consider entering this extremely well-run, great-fun regatta. As sailors taking part in the NZ Millennium Cup, we enjoy fair competitive racing on the waters of the Bay of Islands, and excellent social events ashore.”

As the refit and charter base of the South Pacific, which is proving an increasingly popular charter destination, the regatta provides another drawcard to New Zealand. The Pacific nation is equipped with world-class refit facilities and charter friendly legislation.

Find the Notice of Race and entry form online now and see Superyacht New Zealand to plan your journey.

*Image credits Jeff Brown courtesy of NZ Millennium Cup