A pivotal moment for the Pacific

In the lead up to the 2020 edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup, the race committee has reported ‘unprecedented interest’ from the international superyacht market ahead of a plentiful series of superyacht events leading up to the 36th America’s Cup. The Pacific region is increasingly becoming the focus of the industry’s interest, marked by The Superyacht Group’s inaugural edition of The Pacific Superyacht Forum.

The 2020 New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta will be raced from 29 January to 1 February, drawing some of the world’s most impressive superyachts to the region, and presenting an opportunity for yachts to explore the South Pacific.

Joining Royal Huisman, which signed up to the competition last month, is Italian superyacht builder, Benetti. “Benetti is pleased to join the New Zealand Millennium Cup,” says Peter Mahony, Asia Pacific General Manager at Benetti Yachts. “Sailing is a global sport and leisure culture enjoyed by many. And as a global brand in the maritime sector we are pleased to support the yachting community in this way.”

The New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee has reported that a large American sponsor is due to join Benetti and Royal Huisman imminently, with more information to be released in January 2020.

Although this is yet to be fully divulged, the New Zealand Millennium Cup Committee has reported that a large American sponsor is due to join Benetti and Royal Huisman imminently, with more information to be released in January 2020.

“We see the addition of Benetti to the sponsorship family as a significant milestone for the event as we build towards 2021,” says organiser Stacey Cook. “It’s very rare for a motoryacht builder to be involved with an event that is built around a sailing event. It demonstrates the high level of interest we are receiving from the global superyacht industry and underpins the value we are creating for owners, guests and businesses, both on and off the water.”

The regatta will take place amongst the 144 islets of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s Northland - a sub-tropical cruising ground that has been a home to sailors since the earliest Maori voyagers arrived in New Zealand.

The Superyacht Group’s aforementioned invitation-only, VIP event which will take place in Victoria, British Columbia from 28th to 30th June 2020, in partnership with Victoria International Marina. It is set to be the first step in what is a four-year plan to make transnational structural changes and catalyse the genuine upturn in the number of superyachts cruising Pacific waters.

The Superyacht Group’s aforementioned invitation-only, VIP event which will take place in Victoria, British Columbia from 28th to 30th June 2020, in partnership with Victoria International Marina. It is set to be the first step in what is a four-year plan to make transnational structural changes and catalyse the genuine upturn in the number of superyachts cruising Pacific waters.

Bringing together around 200 of the most influential owners, regional industrialists and C-suite stakeholders, from Asia, North America, Oceania and South America, as well as Europe, for two days of debate, discussion and road-mapping highlights a new era for emerging superyacht markets across the Pacific.

New Zealand has a long-established marine industry, renowned for maintenance and refit. This is being enhanced by the development of berthing facilities in anticipation of the influx of yachts in 2020/21. Those visiting will be able to take advantage of New Zealand’s yacht friendly regulations that allow foreign-flagged vessels temporary entry for up to 24 months and the ability to charter in its waters.

New Zealand has a long-established marine industry, renowned for maintenance and refit. This is being enhanced by the development of berthing facilities in anticipation of the influx of yachts in 2020/21.

Furthermore, yachts will have access to a host of new infrastructure, including a superyacht marina in the Bay of Islands, a superyacht village for the Americas Cup, a new 320-tonne travelift in the Bay of Plenty and a new 720-tonne travelift at Orams Marine in Auckland.

During this period, DYT Yacht Transport is also putting on additional sailings to bring yachts to New Zealand for 2020/21 and take them back to Europe in time for the summer in the Mediterranean.

“We always advise refit clients to book well in advance, as the yard is invariably full through the New Zealand season of August to May,” says Platinum Sponsor Orams Marine’s Craig Park.”

“At the moment, that’s even more important than ever,” Park continues. “It’s great to see so many yachts taking the time to cruise through the Pacific and make their way to New Zealand and we’re looking forward to introducing more of our international colleagues, peers and friends to the beautiful Bay of Islands when racing begins in February.”

The Pacific Superyacht Forum is an invitation-only event. To register your interest,  please click here.

Image credit: Ivor Wilkins - Offshore Images

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