New Zealand’s Millennium Cup in growth mode for 2026
The South Pacific’s superyacht regatta will take place from 31 January to 3 February.
Credit: Matt Crawford. NZ Millennium Cup organiser, Stacey Cook (seen here, far left) says the event will continue to grow into 2026.
The 2026 dates for the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta have been set, beginning late January 2026 and the popular event is set to grow once more.
“After an incredible event at the start of this year, we’re thrilled to have stronger and earlier interest from yachts wishing to compete next year, than ever before,” says organiser Stacey Cook.
“We’re very pleased to announce that the regatta will take place in Auckland from 31st January to 3 February.”
The announcement follows the 2025 event which saw ten yachts battle it out for the podium. While repeat campaigner, Kawil, pulled off her second NZ Millennium Cup regatta win on the third and final day, it was only after some of the fiercest racing the Auckland event has seen, courtesy of Sea Eagle, Sharlou, Sassafras and Janice of Wyoming.
“It was a great race, we had a lot of fun, and are simply proud to be part of the group that’s here,” said Kawil’s owner as he accepted the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup at this year’s event.
Credit: Jeff Brown. Kawil was a decisive winner at the racing early this year with her owner describing it as great racing with plenty of fun.
“Everybody loved it here, and at the risk of sounding like the Oscars, thanks to all the crew who made it possible, and thank you to the sponsors down here in New Zealand who make it possible for all of us to come down here and enjoy ourselves.”
Notable for hosting 81-metre Sea Eagle’s debut regatta appearance in 2025, New Zealand has seen visitation from increasingly large yachts to its shores, something Cook says is reflected in the enquiries for 2026’s regatta.
“We’ve got some incredible yachts lined up for 2026 which are well-known on the regatta circuit but which have never raced in the Southern Hemisphere. We can’t wait to announce them!”
Credit: Jeff Brown. Earlier this year 81 metre Sea Eagle made her global regatta debut in Auckland's waters at the NZ Millennium Cup.
Cook will be in Palma at the end of this month to meet with prospective entries and is available to meet with yachts planning their time in the Pacific.
Following that, Cook will be in Tahiti in July, on the ground in Marina Taina assisting yachts with itinerary planning, information on logistics, and why the regatta makes such a good addition to a New Zealand trip.
“This is a regatta the way regattas should be. The people are genuine and it was the most down to earth, real, fun and welcoming experience. It's very intimate, very welcoming and very well-organised. If you want to experience racing down under, you need to race this regatta,” says captain of 2024 winner S/Y Perseus^3, Burger van der Walt.
The regatta’s headquarters form a private enclave in the heart of central Auckland, giving owners, crew and the race teams a spot to to gather and discuss the day’s racing as soon as they step off.
New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland sits on an isthmus between two large harbours with the natural playground long-revered by sailors. With award-winning superyacht marinas and refit yards, and thriving entertainment precincts fringing the water, it’s a location which lends itself to world-class regattas and enjoyable events both on and off the ocean.
More information is available at millenniuncup.com.
To meet with Stacey Cook in Palma, or in Tahiti please contact
E: stacey@nzmarine.com
WhatsApp: +64 21 818 922
The NZ Millennium Cup 2026 will be raced in Auckland from January 31 - 3 February. It’s the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta and is becoming well-known as a must-do regatta for yacht owners who like to get off the beaten track.
The regatta is designed to highlight the importance of the superyacht sector in New Zealand’s marine industry, as well as showcase some of the country’s most striking cruising grounds in a unique manner.
The Organising Authority is the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee.
