A typically majestic Jeff Brown shot showing one of the superyachts in last year's Millennium Cup spectacle sailing around Nine Pin Rock in the Bay of Islands.
Organisers say a torrent of early entries for the NZ Millennium Cup 2017 is signalling the largest fleet since the turn of the century may race in next year's event.
The three-day race will see the seas off the east coast filled with yachts competing in the various NZ Millennium
Cup divisions, alongside the domestic races from the Bay of Islands Sailing Week regatta.
Organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a dedicated committee made up of some of New Zealand's most pre-eminent superyacht industry figures, the NZ Millennium Cup is described by its promoters as a celebration of good racing, great cruising grounds and exceptional hospitality.
Six months out from the commencement of the 2017 event, which being held for the second consecutive time in conjunction with Bay Sailing Week from January 24-27, organisers noted momentum was already building faster than recent years, with a series of rapid-fire early entries including the likes of Janice of Wyoming, Steinlager 2, Tawera and Antaeus.
Commentators speculated the unprecedented interest was likely generated by the 2016 regatta, together with with growing appreciation of combining racing, cruising and refit work on New Zealand's shores.
