This year, the regatta will once again take place in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, an iconic sailing venue known for its challenging conditions and picturesque landscapes. Dormant volcanoes and emerald waters create a stunning backdrop for the races, while Auckland, the “City of Sails,” offers a vibrant hub of activity on and off the water. It’s a setting that has honed generations of New Zealand sailors and hosted some of the world’s premier sailing events, including the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.
Millennium Cup Class
A fleet of ten exceptional yachts is set to compete this year, each bringing its unique character and competitive spirit to the event.
Among the entries is Janice of Wyoming, a 40-metre Alloy Yachts-built vessel designed by Ed Dubois. Known for her cowboy spinnaker and a long history of line honours, Janice of Wyoming embodies camaraderie and power on the racecourse. Her sleek aluminium hull and advanced rigging make her a perennial contender, and her strong showing in past regattas has left an indelible mark on the Millennium Cup’s history.
Sassafras, a 34-metre masterpiece by Royal Huisman, will also grace the course. She boasts a blend of classic design and modern performance, featuring a canoe stern and a teak-clad deck that harks back to the golden age of yachting. Despite her vintage aesthetic, Sassafras is a technical marvel, with state-of-the-art sailing systems that have made her a formidable competitor. Her return to the Millennium Cup is eagerly anticipated by both spectators and rivals.
Adding a contemporary touch to the fleet is Sea Eagle, an 81-metre flybridge schooner also from Royal Huisman. Launched in 2020, Sea Eagle stands out with her powerful Panamax rig and vast sail area, supported by cutting-edge sail technology. Her performance pedigree is matched by her luxury interiors, which include a spacious flybridge and a hydraulic platform for racing. This year marks her regatta debut, offering an exciting opportunity to see her capabilities in the dynamic conditions of the Hauraki Gulf.
Sharlou (formerly Sarissa), a 42.6-metre carbon fibre sloop built by Vitters, is another newcomer to the Millennium Cup. Designed by Tripp Design Naval Architects, Sharlou combines lightweight construction with advanced hydrodynamics, enabling her to slice through the water with unmatched agility. Her minimalist yet luxurious interiors are equally impressive, making her a standout both on the racecourse and at anchor.
Kawil, a 34-metre yacht designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Derecktor Shipyards, is making a triumphant return. She clinched victory in the 2020 Millennium Cup and is renowned for her versatility, excelling in both cruising and racing. Kawil’s experienced crew and proven track record make her a formidable opponent as she navigates the familiar waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
Pacific Cup Class
The Pacific Cup Class introduces a different kind of excitement with five iconic yachts: Hikurere, Innismara, Kinetic, Lion New Zealand, and Steinlager 2.
Hikurere, at just under 23 metres, is a beautiful sloop designed by Alan Warwick and built by TCCY of Taiwan. As a new entry to the Millennium Cup, she brings a fresh competitive edge and showcases exceptional craftsmanship.
Kinetic, an all-carbon performance cruiser, was launched in 2019 by Kinetic Catamarans as a prototype designed for short-handed sailing and to achieve wind speed (+) in light airs. With a track record of performance in all conditions and hull flying capability, Kinetic features a Southern Spars coachroof-stepped mast, electric in-boom furler, and North Sails 3Di sail package. Push-button sail control is available from any of her three helm stations. With an experienced crew, including owner Bob Hayward, Tom Schnackenberg, Blair MacLeod, Phil Summerville, and yacht designer Maarten Voogd, Kinetic’s second-ever race is expected to be a thrilling fight for first.
Innismara is a very exciting entry. Innismara, meaning “island in the sea” in Gaelic, is a 67-foot yacht designed by Bernie Schmidt. After being put up for sale, she was rescued by a group of enthusiastic young Kiwi sailors who dedicated themselves to restoring her to her former glory. These same sailors, joined by a couple of their parents competing in the superyacht class, will be steering her around the course during the regatta.
Steinlager 2, the legendary Bruce Farr-designed racing yacht, has been a fixture of Kiwi sailing since her triumph in the 1989–1990 Whitbread Round the World Race. At 83 ft, Steinlager 2 was built for speed and endurance, featuring cutting-edge materials and technology. Her success cemented her place in maritime history, and she joins the regatta with the NZ Sailing Trust, symbolising adventure and resilience.
Lion New Zealand, like her fellow NZ Sailing Trust yacht Steinlager 2, holds a special place in New Zealanders’ hearts after her impressive performances in the 1980s. Designed by Ron Holland, this ocean racing yacht was built for speed and endurance. Skippered by sailing legend Sir Peter Blake, Lion New Zealand won the prestigious 1985–86 Whitbread Round the World Race, marking a significant achievement in international ocean racing. Fast under two sails and fully controllable with her spinnaker up, Lion New Zealand became one of the finest International Ocean Racing maxis ever built and remains a symbol of New Zealand’s maritime excellence and competitive spirit.
This year’s event also features a stellar lineup of sponsors, led by platinum sponsor Orams Marine and supported by gold sponsors North Sails/Southern Spars, Smuggler Marine, Royal Huisman, and WASSP. Their involvement underscores the significance of the Millennium Cup as a platform to showcase New Zealand’s world-class marine industry.
As the yachts prepare to take to the waters, the anticipation is palpable. The regatta’s history is rich with memorable moments and legendary winners, from Hyperion and Moonblue 2 in 2000 to Perseus³ and Outnumbered in 2024. This continuity of excellence connects past champions to the current fleet, creating a narrative of progress and tradition.
The New Zealand Millennium Cup is a celebration of New Zealand’s unique maritime culture, its breathtaking cruising grounds, and its reputation for innovation and excellence. Whether it’s the challenging courses of the Hauraki Gulf, the exceptional craftsmanship on display, or the unmistakable Kiwi hospitality, the regatta offers a snapshot of what makes New Zealand a global leader in the superyacht world.
From the majestic sails of Sea Eagle to the enduring elegance of Sassafras, and from the camaraderie of Janice of Wyoming to the historical significance of Lion New Zealand and Steinlager, the 2025 Millennium Cup promises to be an unforgettable event. With three days of racing, daily prize givings, and vibrant on-land festivities, this regatta is set to leave an indelible mark on participants and spectators alike. As the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta, it continues to draw attention to the unparalleled opportunities New Zealand offers for cruising, racing, and world-class marine services.
