Starting on February 14, the Auckland‘s NZ Millennium Cup will be attended by the newest sailing yacht Ohana (G50), following her launch later this year. Designed by renowned Dubois Naval Architects, the 50m Ohana superyacht is a spectacular high performance flybridge sloop, currently in build at the well known NZ shipyard Fitzroy Yachts.

50m luxury sailing yacht Ohana (G50) by Fitzroy and Dubois

Already the subject of much industry buzz, the 50m luxury yacht Ohana will be one to watch when she tackles the Hauraki Gulf course against a field which includes veterans of the regatta. Fitzroy Yachts started work on Ohana in June 2010 for a European owner and commissioned Dubois Naval Architects for the design work, following other successful collaborations including award-winning superyacht Salperton and luxury yacht Zefira.

Fitzroy Yacht’s Rodney Martin says that as the largest yacht to enter the regatta so far this year, Ohana superyacht will cut a striking silhouette on the water. “She’ll fly, for the first time, a huge 1,600m2 gennaker made by Doyle Sails”.

Reigning champion sailing yacht Silvertip will return to defend her title, which will see the Yachting Developments-built winner of 2012 and 2009 pitted against her fellow returning competitor, superyacht Janice of Wyoming as well as charter yacht Pacific Eagle, both built by Alloy Yachts. At time of writing there is one spot left available for the special early entry fee, though organisers are expecting this spot, in what is quickly becoming one of the most sought after destination regattas on the superyacht circuit, to fill fast.

NZ Millennium Cup 2012: Day 1 - Sailing yacht Janice of Wyoming and Eclipse yacht battle it out while dormant volcano, Rangitoto, broods in the background.

Yachting Developments will be on hand to cheer on Silvertip yacht, returning to the regatta as platinum sponsor for the second year. With their girl the proud holder of both the Superyacht Society’s ‘Best Sailing Yacht’ award and Showboats’ ‘Best Sailing Yacht’ award (the first yacht to win both accolades), she’ll be one of the most eagerly-anticipated entrants to watch as she shows her panache around the course.

The event is quickly proving itself to be the place to be for incredible 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. Fitzroy Yachts, builders of Ohana yacht, will be there as gold sponsor to watch her take a spin on the Gulf, and have committed to support the regatta for three years. Fellow gold sponsor, Waterfront Auckland, is looking forward to seeing the yachts roll into the Viaduct and Silo Marinas and Alloy Yachts, also a gold sponsor, will be on hand to watch Janice of Wyoming and Pacific Eagle be put through their paces. Luxury lifestyle company, Touch of Spice rounds out the complement of gold supporters of the regatta.

NZ Millennium Cup 2012: Day 2 - Last year's winner, Silvertip superyacht, looks right at home on the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.

In response to the growing popularity of the event, Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT) is offering a voyage that will ensure Mediterranean and Caribbean-based yachts reach Auckland in plenty of time for the regatta. Leaving from Palma de Mallorca, the transport will stop in Martinique, Florida and Costa Rica before arriving in New Zealand. DYT are also offering a very attractive discount for NZ Millennium Cup entries; not just for next year’s racing but the 2014 and 2015 events also.

The NZ Millennium Cup kicks off with a cocktail party and briefing for captains and owners briefing on February 14. Racing begins February 15 and will be punctuated with social events and entertainment, to cap off days on the picturesque Hauraki Gulf. Quickly becoming the bolthole event to head to when escaping a northern hemisphere winter, the NZ Millennium Cup provides a balance of harbour and passage racing set against the backdrop of Auckland and her greenstone islands. The City of Sails glows as she kicks up her heels for the summer, and visitors will be pulled into the locals’ revelry as they celebrate the on-water season with world-beating home-grown wine, food and entertainment.

The NZ Millennium Cup is quickly becoming as well-loved for its evening hospitality, as for its on-water excitement.

Onboard to show their support as silver sponsors are Doyle Sails and Smuggler Marine, with official apparel partnership in the safe hands of Events Clothing. Ensuring the regatta maintains its legendary standards of hospitality, Mt Gay Rum has once again come to the party as hospitality partners along with Stoke beer, while The Superyacht Group and Ocean Media have thrown their weight behind the NZ Millennium Cup as official media partners.

The NZ Millennium Cup is fast becoming the premier superyacht regatta of the South Pacific. Its team will be at the Monaco Yacht Show and will welcome the chance to help with any queries.