Three days of competing at the NZ Millennium Cup 2013 are over, and the 30-metre sailing yacht Zefiro has become the new winner of this year’s race.
A slightly shorter course than Day one and two was being raced, with the race sponsored by Yachting Developments, and superyacht Janice of Wyoming was first off the mark. She was followed by Sea Toy, which was racing a shorter course, then Zefiro, superyacht Silvertip and Ohana yacht. Approaching Whangaporoa, Janice was comfortably holding her lead, but as she rounded the mark she was caught and then overtaken by Zefiro, Silvertip and Ohana.
Picking up speed, the three leaders chased each other back to the finishing line, with another spectacularly close finish which saw luxury yacht Silvertip beat Zefiro yacht by a whisker. Superyacht Ohana was not far behind and easily took third place. Janice then sailed in, claiming fourth place for the day, and was followed by Sea Toy.
With the racing finished, it was back into harbour and then on to the Gala Dinner celebrations at the Viaduct Events Centre and the all important results and prize giving. MC Peter Montgomery thanked the owners and yachts for their participation and for making the regatta such a success. Zefiro yacht had dominated with two wins and a second place and took first place overall.
In second place was luxury yacht Silvertip, who also received the award for sportsmanship throughout the regatta. Third was Ohana superyacht, who in actual lapsed time was quickest round over the three races. Sailing yacht Janice of Wyoming took fourth place, and an award for both the best exit, thanks to the water bomb offensive, and for her owners long term support of the New Zealand yachting industry. Sea Toy yacht took fifth place after a valiant effort throughout.
Congratulations to all their yachts for such a brilliant regatta, and most importantly thanks must go to all the sponsors who made the event possible.