The New Zealand Millennium Cup is underway and Sea Eagle has taken the win on day one in the Auckland regatta.
Sea Eagle leads after day 1 of the NZ Millennium Cup – Jeff Brown, Breed Media
Orams Marine race day marked the opening of the regatta, which runs from 1-4 February, on the waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.
“With ten yachts competing, and regatta debuts out on the water, we can’t wait to see how the competition unfolds this year,” says organiser Stacey Cook.
It was a day of two races on day one of the 2025 edition of the Cup, and a two-yacht race at the line. The big 81 metre Royal Huisman looked in control as she took the win on the first race of the day – her first ever regatta event – and then secured a second place as Kawil took the top spot in race two, with only two seconds between them on corrected time.
Kawil won one of two races on the first day of racing – Jeff Brown, Breed Media
“It’s the first regatta for Sea Eagle and the crew absolutely nailed it, we’re thrilled,” said a Sea Eagle representative.
After light airs during the practice days, Auckland’s breeze filled in and racing started promptly at 11am with yachts racing on a course from the Hauraki start line. At the end of day, at Yachting Developments’ happy hour and prize giving, NZ Millennium Cup entry Sharlou picked up the prize for best start in her class, crossing the line within four seconds of her start time, while Innismara was crowned fastest over the line in the Pacific Cup Class.
Sharlou races in her first NZ Millennium Cup – Jeff Brown, Breed Media
Overall results in the NZ Millennium Cup after day one see Sea Eagle in first place, with Kawil close behind and Sassafras in third, with everything still to play for by the fleet.
In the Pacific Cup class, competition was just as intense with Hikurere and Lion New Zealand battling it out for first place in both races. However, it was Hikurere who managed to take the win in both races with a mere one second separating the two on corrected time in the first race of the day.
“We’ve got a fantastic crew and had great weather, it’s been a lovely, enjoyable day on the water,” said Hikurere’s owner when asked about the win.
Racing continues on Monday and Tuesday, as the yachts battle for top spot in Auckland.
For results and more information see millenniumcup.com.
