During the three day event, competitors in the sailing divisions will be sent to one of four courses depending on weather conditions and which course the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series teams are using that day, explains NZ Marine chairman Mark Wightman.
"As RNZYS is also managing the Louis Vuitton regatta, it makes for a smooth operation to have our complimentary regatta administered by the same highly-skilled organisation," says Mark.
"Just like the Louis Vuitton series, our skippers attend an early morning briefing where they are advised which race course they'll be sailing that day with an 11am start. We will then promptly advise media and post on our website, www.millenniumcup.co.nz, which sailing course is being used so that public can make the most of the opportunities to see these fantastic superyachts under full sail."
The longest of the Millennium Cup races will involve the Hauraki Gulf islands. Starting off Takapuna beach, the yachts head northeast through the deepwater passage between the end of Whangaparaoa peninsula and Tiritiri Matangi Island, then northwest to round Moturoa Island and back through the Tiri passage to Takapuna. There are three different options within this course with the longest being around 40 nautical miles and the others around 33 nautical miles. One of the shorter options includes rounding Rakino Island before returning to the finish.
The inner harbour race is sure to offer spectators fantastic photo opportunities, says Mark. "The superyachts cross the start off Princes Wharf, head towards Motuihe Island to round ‘Northern Leading' mark then sail back up the harbour to a mark near the harbour bridge and back to Princes Wharf. Seeing these magnificent yachts under full sail so close to both shores of Auckland Harbour is certainly going to be exciting to watch."
The inner harbour race can only take place on a day when the Louis Vuitton competitors are sailing either their blue or green courses (the more northern courses).
The third and final race course for Millennium Cup competitors involves two shorter races off Takapuna Beach. A triangular course will be marked with buoys, taking the yachts out towards Rakino Island, north towards Gulf Harbour and back to Takapuna. One of these short courses will be sailed in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
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