Superyachts line up to race in New Zealand's celebration of summer on the water

Racing in the previous Millennium Cup staged in Auckland © NZ Marine

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is pleased to announce a number of new entries set to join the 2024 race, following last month’s notice of race release.

With the 2024 New Zealand Millennium Cup set to form part of a celebration of New Zealand’s summer on the water, entries are lining up to join the festivities.

Brand new to the racing is 60 metre Perini Navi, Perseus^3, with race watchers excited to see her unique features - including the tallest carbon fibre mast built and extensive sail area - put to use on the Auckland race course.

“Perseus^3 was built to race specification and we’ve enjoyed building her reputation on the course across the world’s great superyacht regattas. With a race crew which has become known for its spirit and camaraderie, we’re looking forward to bringing Perseus^3 to New Zealand’s waters and letting her show her ability during the New Zealand Millennium Cup,” says Burger van der Walt, captain of Perseus^3.

She’ll join other early entries to the race including Royal Huisman’s Sassafras, the crew of which is looking forward to competing after the regatta’s two year hiatus.

“The team on Sassafras is excited at the prospect of racing in the New Zealand Millennium Cup after a two year hiatus. The Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf offer a world-class sailing venue, with the backdrop of the City of Sails, home of the holder of the America’s Cup. We look forward to competing with visiting yachts and crews, to make the New Zealand Millennium Cup 2024 the best yet,” says Matt Lovett, captain of S/Y Sassafras.

Joining the race for the first time will be a fleet of multihulls, adding to the spectacle on the water. With a resurgence of cruising activity in the South Pacific, and growing numbers of the superyacht fleet forecast to arrive in the next seasons, this multihull class is set to offer a new aspect to the regatta’s racing with strong interest from Kiwi owners.

Racing in the previous Millennium Cup staged in Auckland - photo © NZ Marine

The regatta will take place from 23 to 26 February 2024, and will be raced on Auckland’s waters for the first time since 2013. It will form part of 2024’s inaugural Moana Auckland Festival; a celebration of the integral role of the sea in Auckland’s cultural and economic life.

The entry form and notice of race are available online now at millenniumcup.com. The regatta is comprised of New Zealand Millennium Cup, Multihull, and Corinthian divisions, with the role of principle race officer filled by Harold Bennett.

For more information see millenniumcup.com or find regatta representatives at all major yacht shows this season.

About the NZ Millennium Cup

The NZ Millennium Cup 2024 will be raced in Auckland from 23-26th February, 2024. It’s the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta and is becoming well-known as a must-do regatta for yacht owners who like to get off the beaten track.

The regatta is designed to highlight the importance of the superyacht sector in New Zealand’s marine industry, as well as showcase some of the country’s most visually-striking cruising grounds in a unique manner.

The Organising Authority is the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee www.millenniumcup.com