From 1-4 February, Auckland's deep emerald coves will host the 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup. As one of the South Pacific's top superyacht regattas, this year's event promises an impressive line-up of five sailing yachts, including two newcomers eager to make their mark on the course. Sponsoring the event is Royal Huisman, returning as gold sponsor and Orams Marine as platinum. BOAT takes a closer look at the sailing yachts hoping to lift the trophy...
Sea Eagle
Stats: LOA: 81m, Year: 2020, Builder: Royal Huisman
With a 45,000nm world exploration under her belt, this contemporary schooner has been exploring the globe since her delivery in 2020. With this, she’s proved her endurance, but now the 81-metre is going to flex her enormous sail area on the racing circuit. “This is a very large yacht to be throwing around on a race course with several other superyachts,” says Sea Eagle captain, Henry Say of the approaching debut. “We have a very experienced race crew who specialises in sailing yachts of this calibre. We are all excited to try something new and see what the boat can do; though I guess you could say we are a little nervous.”
Built by Royal Huisman, to a design by Dykstra Naval Architects, her sail area is 2,580 square metres upwind and 3,552 square metres downwind. She can hoist all three mainsails easily at once, the efficiency of the sail management system has been proven while taking in many of the world’s great cruising grounds under sail. Now, that sail area will be tested during racing.
Janice of Wyoming
Stats: LOA: 39.7m, Year: 2005, Builder: Alloy Yachts
Having placed third in the 2024 New Zealand Millennium Cup, Janice of Wyoming is returning this year and will be one to watch on the race circuit. Built in 2005 by New Zealand shipyard, Alloy Yachts, Janice of Wyoming has competed in this regatta eight times since 2013. Designed by Ed Dubois’ team in Hampshire, UK, the 39.7-metre sloop will certainly have the edge when it comes to experience.
Kawil
Stats: LOA: 34m, Year 2000, Builder: Derecktor Shipyard
Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, Kawil was built in the USA at Derecktor Shipyard before graduating onto the superyacht regatta circuit. The 34-metre sailing yacht claimed victory at the New Zealand Millenium Cup regatta in 2020 and is returning to defend her title at this year's competition. At 34-metres LOA, she is one of the smaller competitors in this year's lineup but should not be underestimated.
Sassafras
Stats: LOA: 34.2m, Year: 2020, Builder: Royal Huisman
Built in the Netherlands by Royal Huisman in 2020, Sassafras is no stranger to the New Zealand Millennium Cup having competed in the last five regattas. With naval architecture by Ted Hood and exterior design by Ted Fontaine, the 34.2-metre sailing yacht can accommodate a total of eight guests with five crew members. Last year she put up a tough fight and came in second place having placed first in the second race. This year, she'll be one to watch.
Sharlou
Stats: LOA: 42m, Year: 2011, Builder: Vitters
Designed by Tripp Design Naval Architecture and delivered in 2011 by Vitters, this is the first time 42-metre Sharlou will be competing in the New Zealand Millennium Cup. Built in carbon fibre, and with a recent 2022 refit, there's no doubt Sharlou will be an exciting competitor. The sloop features a carbon hull with twin helm stations and a set of black 3D sails and can easily achieve 17 to 20 knots under sail.
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