The 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup has come to an exhilarating close, with the 34.1-metre sailing yacht Kawil taking the overall series win in an exciting final showdown. The Derecktor-built yacht showcased exceptional racing skills, securing two first-place finishes over four competitive races.
The final day of the regatta was a high-stakes battle, with 81-metre Sea Eagle, 34.2-metre Sassafras, and 42-metre Sharlou all within reach of the top title. However, Kawil delivered a masterful performance, crossing the finish line first and cementing her position as a two-time Millennium Cup champion, having also claimed victory in 2020.
A Winning Legacy
“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 prestigious Cup. “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.”
The New Zealand Millennium Cup, an iconic regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, will return in 2026, promising another thrilling competition among some of the world’s most spectacular sailing yachts.
This year’s edition also marked the racing debut of Royal Huisman’s 81-metre Sea Eagle—a striking sight on the water, given her formidable size compared to her competitors. Launched in 2020, she remains one of the Dutch shipyard’s largest sailing yachts and made a lasting impression at her first-ever regatta.
As the 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup wraps up, the victory of Kawil adds another remarkable chapter to this prestigious sailing event. Stay tuned for more racing action when the regatta returns next year!
