The last day of New Zealand's Millennium Cup, with better winds to help the field put on a dramatic show of superyacht racing
The breeze picked up early for the final day of the Millennium Cup, and the sun was shining in anticipation. Racing across the line in the best breeze of the week, the fleet were pumped for a final day of racing. Special mention has to be made of Cavallo, who crossed the start line just one second after their allocated time, much to the excitement of the yachts nearby. A longer course of 26 nautical miles made the most of the good weather, and saw the boats passing the Ninepin twice and passing each other throughout the day.
With Tawera far ahead in first, a battle was being fought between Pumula and Janice of Wyoming, and between Cavallo, Silvertip and Farfalla. On the downwind leg from the Ninepin to the Orams buoy the air was filled with the sound of Cavallo’s kite ripping clean in two, filling the sky with blue and red. The ever-professional team was not to be flustered, however, and a second spinnaker was brought out for the next downwind leg, allowing the yacht to stay competitive and keep their position.
Farfalla once again showed her skill by working her way through the fleet, creeping up on Janice of Wyoming throughout the day. Eventually coming in third, it meant the yacht also took third place in the Millennium Cup. Coming in second, Janice of Wyoming also took second place overall, and line-honours winners Tawera took home the Millennium Cup trophy at the prize-giving in the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
• Read about Day 1 here and Day 2 here