With the conclusion of the eleventh edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup, 28m/91ft luxury ketch TAWERA has been named the champion.
Millennium Cup 2019 – Dolphins join Tawera
The final day of races attracted superyachts and local boats to the Bay of Islands to watch the spectacle. The start was delayed by two hours due to light winds, and as a result only one of the two planned races took place. Once the cloud and wind had built up racing was underway by 12.50 pm. The starting sequence placed TAWERA first, followed by THALIA, FREYA and then charter yacht SILVERTIP, all of which are experienced regatta racers.
Tawera accept their Cup
“There’s a special feel to this regatta,” said race officer of the day, Harold Bennett. “The amazing sense of togetherness, the way the competitors get working together and complement each other – it’s the Corinthian way of our sport. The racing’s been really good – and I’m impressed with the help of both Bruno Finzi and Zoran Grubisa of the ORC on the handicapping side. We’re looking at modifications and changes for next year but we’re really happy with where this is heading.”
Sailing yacht Freya underway
S/Y FREYA initially took the lead and was joined by a local dolphin pod, much to the delight of onlookers. As she rounded the Orams Marine Mark she was followed by sailing yachts SILVERTIP and TAWERA to port behind, while THALIA took a wide line around the mark.
Silvertip seen through an islet
The next target was the Nine Pin and then on to home, at which point TAWERA took off to beat her competitors to the finishing line and win the eleventh Millennium Cup.
Thalia brings in the kite
At the evening prize-giving ceremony at the Duke of Marlborough, the Owner of FREYA described the atmosphere of the summer regatta:
“It’s fantastic to come to this beautiful place, in this beautiful country, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I’d like to say thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful, wonderful time.”
The owner and crew of Thalia
America’s Cup will also be hosted in the region and Auckland, known as ‘The City of Sails’ is gearing up to host the event from the 6th-21st of March 2021.
