One of the newest superyachts to be built in New Zealand, SY Ohana, is the latest entry for the 14 to 17 February 2013 running of the NZ Millennium Cup. The Fitzroy Yachts-built high performance flybridge sloop joins reigning champion Silvertip to take on two returning competitors, Janice of Wyoming and Pacific Eagle.
Hosted by the New Zealand Marine Export Group, the 2013 NZ Millennium Cup features a mix of harbour and passage races in the Hauraki Gulf to make the most of the spectacular yachting environs, and is complemented by a busy social programme.
NZ Millennium Cup 2013 project manager Amy Welch says further entries are still expected before the event gets underway with a cocktail party on 14 February at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to welcome owners and guests.
"A selection of race courses set by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in and around the magnificent Waitemata Harbour are interspersed with evening events, including a gala dinner, to ensure our entrants and their guests get their fill of competitive racing while enjoying the best of New Zealand hospitality," says Welch.
Stuart Robinson, chairman of the NZ Millennium Cup 2013 organising committee and managing director of Robinson Interiors, says the confirmation of Ohana's entry is fantastic for the event.
Fitzroy Yacht's Rodney Martin says that as the largest yacht to enter the regatta so far this year, Ohana will cut a striking silhouette on the water. "For the first time during the Cup, she'll be flying a huge 1,600 sq m gennaker made by Doyle Sails," notes Martin.
The team from Yachting Developments will again cheer on Silvertip as they rejoin the regatta as platinum sponsor for the second year. The event is quickly proving itself to be the place to be for great racing and evening hospitality with a uniquely South Pacific flavour, and this is reinforced by sponsors who add to the high calibre of the event, says Welch.
"We also appreciate the support of Fitzroy Yachts as a gold sponsor and particularly appreciate their commitment to support the regatta for three years. Fellow gold sponsors are Waterfront Auckland, Alloy Yachts, and luxury lifestyle company Touch of Spice.
The NZ Millennium Cup is again set to be the premier superyacht regatta of the South Pacific in 2013. Prospective entrants are asked to contact Welch via email Amy@MillenniumCup.com for more detailed information about this invitation-only regatta. The NZ Millennium Cup last took place in February 2012 with the first event running in 2000. See the event website www.millenniumcup.com for further information.