International and local sponsors jump onboard for the NZ Millennium Cup

The New Zealand Millennium Cup is pleased to announce a host of new sponsors have joined the regatta. In recent weeks four new silver sponsors have come aboard; Integrated Marine Group, Robinson Interiors, Breed Media and North Sails/Southern Spars. Integrated Marine Group’s Managing Director, Mark Wightman, says the company has a long-standing relationship with the event. “It was a very easy decision. The Integrated Marine Group Refit Team craftspeople have worked wonders to rejuvenate some of the entries and the Yacht Support team expertly assisting their captains and crew,” says Mr Wightman. “Integrated Marine Group continues a long tradition as Millennium Cup sponsors, to help enable yachts to enjoy the kiwi experience that this truly world class sailing location offers.” Southern Spars’ Ben Gladwell says sponsoring the event supports the local marine industry and increases its visibility to the rest of the world. “Southern Spars and North Sails are very pleased to be involved with the NZ Millennium Cup. It is a brilliant opportunity to prove why New Zealand’s marine industry and our two companies have the reputation of being the best in the world,” says Mr Gladwell. “It is also a wonderful chance for us to showcase exactly what is so special about New Zealand as a destination for these yachts, which is good for the health of the New Zealand marine industry as a whole. We are very proud to be able to contribute something to this event which helps bring so many superyachts to our shores.” NZ Marine Executive Director Peter Busfield has been thrilled to see both international and domestic brands come onboard in support of the event. “We’re a small, fun regatta and the yachts we attract tend to be adventurous types with a real competitive bent. It’s been fantastic to see so many big brand names get behind the race and lend their support,” says Busfield. “Plus, with the Bay of Islands scenery - and the onshore events - we get good feedback from on sponsors on how much they enjoy it!” Platinum sponsor of the event is Orams Marine, while gold sponsors are Yachting Developments, Doyle Sails New Zealand, Smuggler Marine and Far North Holdings/Port Opua. Silver sponsors include Dubois, OnFire Design, Integrated Marine Group, Breed Media, Robinson Interiors and Southern Spars/North Sails. Far North Holdings’ Chairman Ross Blackman says he is proud to be sponsoring the event once again, and is excited to showcase the Bay of Islands as an outstanding sailing destination. “Far North Holdings is heavily engaged in delivering maritime and airport facilities and services in the Bay of Islands to the wider community and visitors. We are committed to maintaining the Bay of Islands’ reputation as New Zealand’s premier recreational maritime environment and our status as New Zealand’s largest port for international yacht clearances,” says Mr Blackman. “We have some exciting maritime developments currently under construction and would love the opportunity to share these with those participating in the regatta. Good luck to you all.” The NZ Millennium Cup runs from the 27-29 January 2016, and is raced in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds; the Bay of Islands. Organised by the NZ Marine Export Group and a dedicated committee of some of New Zealand's most pre-eminent superyacht industry figures, the NZ Millennium Cup is a celebration of good racing, great cruising grounds and exceptional hospitality. Drawing attention to New Zealand’s beautiful cruising grounds, skilled workforce and innovative industry, we’re looking forward to delivering an event which showcases the best of our superyacht sector in a relaxed, recognisably-Kiwi style.