NZ Millennium Cup to Set Precedent for Sustainable Regattas

Since the first edition of the Millennium Cup in 2000, the event has become a staple of the yachting calendar, guaranteeing racing excitement in the pristine cruising grounds surrounding Bay of Islands. A return to regatta action will certainly be met by relief and cheer, and this year there is an important impetus being given to the Millennium Cup.  

The Cup has applied for Gold Clean Regatta status in recognition of its efforts to create a sustainable event. These efforts include swapping plastic water bottles for reusable alternatives, encouraging the use of biodegradable sail ties, partnering with a sustainability-minded restaurant for regatta HQ, re-using regatta promotional materials, and partnering with ocean-focused charities and sponsors.

Orams Marine, a Platinum sponsor of the Cup, is also focused on the health of our oceans, and has installed an industry-leading water treatment system in its Auckland superyacht yard. The multi-layered system ensures water used during yacht refit, as well as yard stormwater runoff, is free of contaminants. An in-built water treatment plant separates and treats wastewater and stormwater collected across new hardstand and covered work areas now under construction.

The Orams Marine team worked with sustainability experts prior to the build’s start, with the goal of setting a new shipyard industry standard of discharge water quality, protecting the Waitematā Harbour and New Zealand’s environment in the long-term.

Renowned Italian superyacht builder Benetti, Gold sponsor of the event, has its own focus on the environment.

“Benetti is deservedly proud of its heritage of delivering beautiful, reliable, technologically advanced and innovative yachts, ideal for partaking in adventures to the most exciting corners of the world and now with a growing intelligent approach to sustainability,” says Peter Mahony, APAC General Manager of Benetti Yachts.

The regatta takes place in Northland’s pristine Bay of Islands, where fellow gold sponsor Bay of Islands Marina features two modern, solar-powered recycling centres, with a sustainable approach which includes recycling water for boat washdowns.

Running from 15-18 February 2021, the NZ Millennium Cup regatta has become a standout event on the world superyacht circuit, featuring a relaxed, warm approach to hospitality and fiercely competitive razing. With the 36th America’s Cup also being held in New Zealand this year, the spotlight is on this breath-taking destination which boasts enthralling opportunities for superyacht adventures.