Organisers of the New Zealand Millennium Cup, which was due to start on 15 February, have announced the postponement of the regatta in response to the recently elevated COVID-19 alert level across New Zealand. Racing will now be held 28 to 31 March, 2021 in Russell, returning to the regatta’s Duke of Marlborough headquarters.

“As an event run to further the interests of the New Zealand marine industry, we feel a keen responsibility to our industry, superyacht owners, guests and crew, sponsors and the wider community to ensure we are taking every precaution possible,” says NZ Marine CEO, Peter Busfield. 

“Postponing until late March allows us to still run an excellent event, supported by our sponsors, and our hosts, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. Organisers expect the event to be well-supported by superyacht entrants post-America’s Cup .”

An announcement has also been made by the organisers of the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta 2021, due to take place from 23 to 27 February, about the plans and contingencies being put in place for the event.

“As you will be aware, Auckland is currently under Alert Level 3 until midnight on Wednesday 17th February. If Alert Level 3 were to be extended further beyond that point, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) would look to move the event to begin on a date in March 2021,” read a statement issued by the organisers.

If Auckland moves down to Alert Level 2, however, the organisers have the following contingencies in place:

- The event will still proceed as planned with some health restrictions in place around the social / off-water events. 

- The social events that are planned for the opening and closing of the event can also still proceed, however, will be split across various venues within the RNZYS and linked in terms of sound and entertainment.

- Under Alert Level 2, there is a limit of 100 pax per venue. Ahead of each event, the organisers would let attendees know in advance what specific RNZYS venue you would be in for that particular evening.

- None of the on-water racing would be effected under Alert Level 2, however, the organisers would strictly recommend that all participants stick to the Governments COVID-19 health guidelines. Attendees can view this information via: https://covid19.govt.nz

“We will keep you informed as things evolve, but at this stage, we are very much looking forward to hosting this event next week as planned,” concluded the team.

Our upcoming edition of The Superyacht Pacific Report [available here soon] will provide in-depth analysis and insights into the Pacific region, and shed light on the latest news from our industry peers in these areas.

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