The fleet tackled a range of courses—from 22.48 nautical miles, taking a couple of hours to complete, to a swift 7.68-nautical-mile sprint barely lasting an hour. No matter the distance, every race was a battle for supremacy, and the title of the southernmost superyacht regatta champion was on the line.
A fleet rich in history and prestige
The 2025 edition brought together an impressive lineup, from the modern-classic Innismara, a 1969 Bernie Schmidt design restored by young Kiwi sailors, to Sea Eagle, an 81-metre Royal Huisman flybridge schooner launched in 2020. Many of the yachts had strong ties to New Zealand—Janice of Wyoming, Hikurere, Innismara, Steinlager 2, and Lion New Zealand—giving this year’s regatta a homegrown connection.
The event also welcomed back seasoned competitors, including Kawil, a 34.4-metre Derecktor yacht and 2020 Millennium Cup champion, alongside Sassafras, Janice of Wyoming, Steinlager 2, and Lion New Zealand. Meanwhile, ambitious newcomers—Innismara, Sharlou, Hikurere, Kinetic, and Sea Eagle—brought fresh energy to the fleet.
For the most part, conditions were near-perfect—blue skies, warm sun, and a steady breeze. But on the second day, the wind refused to show up. With nothing else to do but wait, some of the teams did what any self-respecting sailor would—jumped into the water. It was a lighthearted pause in an otherwise fiercely competitive event.
The race for the title
The Millennium Cup isn’t just about crossing the line first. Instead, a constructed course scoring system (PCS) levels the playing field, taking into account each yacht’s design and performance.
Kawil does it again, wins the NZ Millennium Cup 2025
Kawil, a yacht built for long-range cruising rather than outright speed, found herself struggling for line honours, finishing last in two Millennium Cup class races. But when the numbers were crunched, she climbed to the top of the leaderboard with 7 points—securing the 2025 Millennium Cup title.
Close behind was Sea Eagle, the largest yacht in the fleet. At 81 metres with four mainsails, she was an impressive sight, but her size meant less manoeuvrability in the tight Hauraki Gulf courses. Despite this, she finished just two points behind Kawil, proving that size doesn’t always mean compromise in competition.
Sharlou, a sleek 42.6-metre carbon sloop designed by Bill Tripp, was the fastest on the water, winning all four of her races on elapsed time. However, on corrected time, she slid to fourth overall.
Meanwhile, Sassafras started strong, her elegant lines slicing through the water. But despite her early momentum, she slipped down the rankings, finishing third overall.
Janice of Wyoming, built by New Zealand’s Alloy Yachts in 2005, had an unpredictable performance, ultimately rounding out the Millennium Cup class in fifth place.
Dominance in the Pacific Class
The Pacific Class, featuring smaller yachts, saw Hikurere dominate. The 23-metre Alan Warwick design won every race outright, topping the table in both elapsed and corrected time. Behind her, Lion New Zealand took second, with Innismara third, and Steinlager 2 fourth.
More than just a race
Beyond the competition, the Millennium Cup is a celebration of sailing, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the sport. As the sun set over Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, crews came together to share stories, dissect performances, and toast another spectacular regatta.
With the bar set high in 2025, next year’s edition promises even tighter racing, new contenders, and the same unbeatable mix of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. One thing is certain—the Millennium Cup remains one of the brightest jewels in New Zealand’s sailing crown.
