This page, clockwise from

aboveright:theOyster825

Enso (front)and 39.72m Alloy

Janice of Wyoming (behind)

fly their kites; on all three

daysoftheregatta,podsof

dolphins accompanied the

racers; 24.72mAmmoniteon

achargedownwind

01

DAY

“The Millennium Cup is

New Zealand’s showcase

event. It harmonises

some of the finest

international yachtsmen

with beautiful yachts

but in a climate of

fun, respect and

great friendship”

• Mike Maloney,

owner of Tawera

"T

here is no better place in

the world to sail,” said the

owner of Ammonite, Marcus

Blackmore, shortly after

lifting the Millennium

Cup trophy for the first time. That’s quite

an endorsement from an owner fresh from

cruising some of the more paradisical parts of

the Pacific Ocean.

The 24.72m Southern Wind won all but

two of the six races over three days, sealing

first place in her very first showing at the

world ’s most southerly superyacht regatta,

of which Boat International is a proud media

partner. Second place went to the Alloy ketch

Ta we ra, a veteran of the event and two-time

champion. Her owner, Mike Mahoney, said:

“The Millennium Cup is New Zealand ’s

showcase event. It harmonises some of the

finest international yachtsmen with beautiful

yachts but in a climate of fun, respect and great

friendship.” Mahoney also pointed to the more

casual atmosphere at the regatta as being key

to its success: “Everyone – sponsors, owners

and crew – is on one level. There’s no pomp or

ceremony, which I g uess is the Kiwi way. It

makes the event so attractive.”

As a location for a superyacht regatta,

few places compare to the Bay of Islands,

in New Zealand ’s north-eastern corner.

The spectacular island landscape creates

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