The final race of the 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup has come to a close, with the 34.1-metre Kawil confirmed as the overall series winner.
The Derecktor sailing yacht put in a strong performance throughout the regatta, securing two first placings over four races. But the third and final day was high-stakes, with the 81-metre Sea Eagle, 34.2-metre Sassafras and 42-metre Sharlou all within striking distance of a win.
Kawil proved her continued prowess, however, making a clean sweep for the finish line and cementing her position as a two-time Cup winner (having been named champion back in 2020).
Read More/The five coolest yachts competing in the 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup"It was a great race, we had a lot of fun, and are simply proud to be part of the group that’s here," said Kawil’s owner as he accepted the Cup. "Everybody loved it here, and at the risk of sounding like the Oscars, thanks to all the crew who made it possible, and thank you to the sponsors down here in New Zealand who make it possible for all of us to come down here and enjoy ourselves."
The New Zealand Millennium Cup will return in 2026.
This year's edition marked Sea Eagle's first regatta appearance. The sailing yacht was certainly a sight to see compared to her smaller competitors in Auckland, launched by Royal Huisman in 2020 and remaining the Dutch yard's second-largest sailing yacht.
Read More/81m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Sea Eagle to compete in New Zealand Millennium Cup