Kawil makes it a double! Winner of the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup

February 4, 2025 - Auckland, New Zealand -  The final race of the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup has come to a close, and Sparkman Stephen's sloop Kawil has been named overall series winner.

The 2020 champion put in a strong performance throughout the regatta, securing two first placings over four races. However coming into the final race it was Sea Eagle, Sassafras, and Sharlou all within striking distance of a win, as the third and final day of racing got underway.

But the two Royal Huisman yachts couldn’t hold off Kawil’s charge to be champion. The 34 metre nailed the final race off Rakino island on a perfect Auckland day, and cemented her place as a two time NZ Millennium Cup winner.

"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 2025 NZ Millennium 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.” 

In the Pacific Cup Class, Hikurere won decisively after tight racing with Lion New Zealand over the three day series. The two yachts in the Pacific Class Cup manned by young, keen crew showed the bright future of New Zealand sailing, with Lion New Zealand and third place Innismara finishing within a minute of each other.

"Innismara has had a fantastic regatta and we’re very grateful for the Pacific Cup and competition,” says Innismara’s Olivia Wimsett, though she warns the Innismara crew’s mentors on bigger yachts should be on watch for next year’s regatta.

“The after-guard on the superyachts better watch out, we’re coming for them.”

On the Hauraki Gulf waters that have produced a nation of sailors, this year’s NZ Millennium Cup fleet saw intense racing across the generations with venerated sailing names like Tom Schnackenberg, Mike Toppa and Tom Dodson, competing with young guns from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

With the changeable Auckland weather in full swing, the ORC’s Zoran Grubisa was on-site to ensure a high-standard of handicapping.

“This certainly puts Auckland and New Zealand on my list of favourite places to be and I’m looking forward for future cooperation,” said Grubisa, giving his thanks to the management team.

The NZ Millennium Cup will return in 2026, but whether Kawil returns to defend her title remains to be seen.

For results and more information see millenniumcup.com.