SW 82 Ammonite triumphs at the 2018 New Zealand Millenium Cup

The New Zealand Millennium Cup features three days of racing in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world.  With courses that thread through more than 140 sub-tropical islands, beautiful scenery and challenging navigation are assured at this popular and challenging regatta.

An innovative handicap system (ISYR) ensured for spectacular racing in the Bay of Islands, with competitors finishing within minutes of each other.

Even though it was her first time competing at the NZ Millennium Cup, there was no stopping Ammonite, who was representing the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club of Tonga. The SW82’s tightly knit crew included Olympic sailors Matt Belcher and Will Ryan in addition to her owner, Marcus Blackmore, a sailing force to be reckoned with in his own right.

Sailing strong in all of the six races that make up this three-day event, Ammonite was confirmed as the overall winner with four wins out of six races.

“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said Ammonite’s owner Marcus Blackmore at the prize giving ceremony. “Thanks go to all the sponsors and in particular Doyle Sails New Zealand’s Mike Sanderson who helped us understand local conditions,” he continued adding that Ammonite would enjoy defending the title next year if possible.

Since her launch at Southern Wind Shipyard in Cape Town in 2016, this 82’ (24.86 metre) sloop has already sailed in almost all of the world’s oceans. After her maiden voyage from South Africa to the Med (7200 nm,) she crossed the Atlantic headed for the Caribbean. This past summer she cruised in the Pacific before heading for Australia and on to New Zealand.

Our sincerest congratulations go to Ammonite, her owner and crew and we look forward to more of her regatta news in the future