Auckland played host to an exciting week of superyacht racing with the Millennium Cup Superyacht Regatta taking center stage in the City of Sails. Doyle Sails was proud to partner with the New Zealand Sailing Trust (NZST) to create pathways for young sailors, offering them the opportunity to experience the thrill of superyacht racing.
Through this collaboration, sailors from the RNZYS Youth Training Programme and Doyle Sails’ own Auckland loft team had the chance to race aboard iconic New Zealand Maxi yachts. Competing in the Pacific Cup Class, Lion New Zealand—crewed by youth sailors—lined up against Steinlager 2, showcasing the next generation of sailing talent. Joining Lion New Zealand as a mentor was ocean racing legend and Doyle Sails Grand Prix expert, Stu Bannatyne, who guided the young crew, helping to break barriers and expose them to new opportunities in the sport.
The regatta took place in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, a legendary sailing venue that has hosted some of the world’s top sailors in America’s Cup and Round the World races. The competing fleet not only tackled Auckland’s dynamic sailing conditions but also experienced the beauty of a harbour that has shaped New Zealand’s deep-rooted sailing culture.
Through voyaging experiences on the iconic vessels Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand, NZST are linked to our Sir Peter Blake sailing history origins along with our past, present and future supporters. We add to the stories that help tell where we have come from and where we are going. We provide educational and life opportunities to young people and adults alike through a wide variety of voyaging experiences.
Doyle Sails International Brand Manager, Harri Wren, led the bow team aboard Lion New Zealand and reflected on the experience: “Bringing together current and former YTP members under the guidance of Stu Bannatyne was incredibly rewarding,” Wren said. “The knowledge and skills he shared about Maxi racing were invaluable. From rig checks to safety procedures, sailing techniques, and team management insights, his expertise had a significant impact on me and, I’m sure, the other sailors.”
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.