Sailing: Entries swell for Millennium Cup '17

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.

Last year's regatta saw the largest fleet race since the dawn of the millennium in 2000 and the spectacle garnered media reach to over 31 million people, with the 2017 event expected to swell in rank and coverage yet again.

The NZ Millennium Cup was also regarded as a fantastic showcase of both New Zealand's marine industry and the beautiful surroundings that visiting superyachts can enjoy.

Since its inaugural run in 2000 when 70 vessels raced to Kawau Island, the NZ Millennium Cup has served as a focal point for yachts in the Pacific while allowing big-money sponsors to recognise brand exposure in and around cup activities, promotions and advertising.

Organisers see the event as being an excellent way to attract interest and investment in the New Zealand marine industry; a way of reflecting the growing understanding of what New Zealand offers in terms of both Kiwi craftsmanship and cruising; and also an opportunity for the locals to share the Far North's beautiful coastline - "a "subtropical micro-region comprising 144 islands with white-sand beaches, turqoise waters and abundant marine life" - alongside warm Kiwi hospitality.