The much-anticipated 2026 edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup will officially take place from 31 January to 3 February, as announced by the event’s organisers. Regarded as the South Pacific’s most prestigious superyacht regatta, the event will once again be headquartered in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, where the action both on and off the water promises to deliver another unforgettable yachting spectacle.
After an electrifying 2024 edition — which saw the 34.1-metre Kawil claim her second Millennium Cup victory, securing a clean sweep on the race course — interest in next year’s competition is already building at record pace. This year’s regatta also featured the regatta debut of the 81-metre Sea Eagle, Royal Huisman’s second-largest sailing yacht, making headlines across the industry.
“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,” said organiser Stacey Cook. “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!”
The Millennium Cup has earned a reputation for blending high-performance racing with warm Kiwi hospitality, creating an experience that’s as much about community as it is about competition. That spirit was echoed by Burgen van der Walt, captain of 2024 winner Perseus^3:
“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. If you want to experience racing down under, you need to race this regatta.”
As the global regatta calendar grows increasingly competitive, the New Zealand Millennium Cup stands out not only for its technical challenges and spectacular courses, but also for its unique atmosphere and iconic backdrop. From its new headquarters in central Auckland, the event offers an exceptional gateway to racing in the Pacific — and 2026 is already shaping up to be its most international edition yet.
Stay tuned for updates as the fleet and headline entries are revealed.
