Setting Sail into the Future: ORC’s 2025 SuperYacht Rules & VPP Take Center Stage at the NZ Millennium Cup

February 9, 2025 - Auckland, New Zealand - The world of superyacht racing has just witnessed an electrifying start to the season, as the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) launched its 2025 SuperYacht Rules and Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) alongside the first major regatta of the year—the prestigious NZ Millennium Cup, which took place from February 1–4 in Auckland, New Zealand.

This year’s regatta delivered a thrilling spectacle, providing the perfect showcase for the newly released 2025 ORC SuperYacht Rule and VPP. The event not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the latest rule innovations, but also set the stage for future regattas running under the updated ORC framework.

2025 ORC SuperYacht Rule and VPP: Raising the Standard in Superyacht Racing

The 2025 ORCSY VPP introduces groundbreaking updates designed to refine the accuracy and fairness of performance predictions for the world’s most advanced racing superyachts. These include:

• CFD Study for Centerboards – A significant technical leap providing a more precise understanding of how centerboards affect performance.
• Main and Mizzen Roach Computation – Adjustments to sail shape calculations ensure optimized ratings for mono and multi-masted yachts.
• Furler Windage Adjustments – More precise calculations of drag factors for furling systems, improving rating accuracy.
• Fine-Tuning of Ketch Models – Enhanced assessment capabilities for ketch-rigged boats.
• Reduced Tacking Allowance – Changes to how yachts using a large blade jib while furling an overlapping sail are evaluated, impacting strategic decisions on the course.

Alberto Pindozzi, ORC SY Manager and Rule Expert, emphasized the impact of these changes:

"The 2025 SuperYacht VPP is the most advanced version yet. We have refined key elements of the rating system, ensuring that each yacht’s true potential is reflected in its performance assessment. These changes will enhance competitiveness and fairness across all events using ORC’s framework."

NZ Millennium Cup: A Stunning Test for the 2025 ORC Rules

This year’s NZ Millennium Cup was the first major event to utilize the updated 2025 ORC SuperYacht Rule and VPP, with racing in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf providing an ideal testing ground for the refinements.

Among the top contenders:

• Kawil (34m, Sparkman & Stephens) – Secured her second Millennium Cup win, showcasing consistency and tactical brilliance.
• Sea Eagle (81m, Royal Huisman) – A regatta debutant with 45,000NM of cruising experience, delivering strong performances in her first-ever racing event.
• Sassafras (34m, Royal Huisman) – A graceful yet fierce competitor, returning to the Millennium Cup with skill and elegance.
• Sharlou (42.6m, Vitters) – Making her first appearance in the NZ Millennium Cup and demonstrating her modern, ultra-fast design.
• Janice of Wyoming – A seasoned competitor and fan favorite, bringing both skill and experience to the regatta.

PCS Constructed Course Scoring Method Implemented After ORC Recommendation

This year, the PCS Constructed Course Scoring Method was introduced based on ORC’s recommendation, integrating seamlessly with the new VPP calculations.

Advantages of the PCS Constructed Course Method:

1. Fully customized scoring for each racecourse and prevailing wind conditions.
2. Enhanced accuracy and fairness, ensuring results reflect real yacht performance.
3. Adaptive course adjustments, allowing for flexibility in race planning without constraints from pre-set scoring methods.

"The PCS Constructed Course system, combined with the new VPP, has provided the most accurate race results we can offer for these types of regattas," said Alberto Pindozzi.

Refining SuperYacht Racing with ORC’s 2025 Framework

The implementation of the 2025 ORC SuperYacht Rule and VPP throughout this year’s regatta received high praise from both competitors and organizers.

"Having Zoran Grubisa – ORC Chief Measurer onsite was a great asset. His input allowed us to design flexible courses that adapted to Auckland’s changing conditions, ensuring a fair and competitive race. The feedback from owners and crews has been outstanding, and we look forward to further improving race tracking for spectators and competitors alike," said Harold Bennett, Principal Race Officer.

Stacey Cook, Event Organizer for the NZ Millennium Cup, also shared her enthusiasm:

"The collaboration between ORC and the NZ Millennium Cup has been invaluable, and we are thrilled with the outcome. The advancements introduced this year have set a new benchmark for superyacht racing."

Looking Ahead: The 2025 ORC SuperYacht Racing Season

With the 2025 ORC SuperYacht Rule and VPP now in full effect, the upcoming regatta season is set to deliver even more competitive and accurately rated racing. Key events on the horizon include:

Super Yacht Challenge Antigua ( March 5 – 9)

• St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta (March 13–16)
• Giorgio Armani Cup, Porto Cervo (May 27–31)
• Cyclades Cup, Antiparos (June 12–15)
• Palma Superyacht Cup (June 25–28)
• Safe Harbour Regatta (August 8 – 10)
• Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (Super Maxi Class using SY VPP) ( September 7 – 13)
• Ibiza Joy of Sailing (September 18–21)

For yacht owners, captains, and race teams, the 2025 ORCSY certificates remain available for download at orc.org/organization/superyachts, ensuring accurate ratings and performance predictions for upcoming regattas.

The NZ Millennium Cup 2026 is already on the horizon, but whether Kawil will return to defend her title remains to be seen. One thing is certain—the legacy of superyacht racing excellence in New Zealand continues to grow under the ORC’s 2025 Rule and VPP framework.

Stay tuned for race updates, insights, and results as the 2025 ORC SuperYacht season unfolds!