Superyacht Ammonite has sailed from Tonga to take part in this week’s New Zealand Millennium Cup.

Ammonite is a member of the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club in Tonga.

Racing gets underway in the Bay of Islands this morning, Wednesday 24.

Ammonite owner Marcus Blackmore said the yacht would compete with a crack crew.

“We are still learning about the yacht after only three regattas and we are keen to do well and really look forward to being in the Bay of Islands,” he said.

This is the 10th time the Cup has been run.

The Cup is raced under the auspices of Russell Boating Club, Matauwhi Bay.

The Club has been organizing a Tall Ships Regatta in January each year for 42 years.

The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club is seeking sponsors to help funds its project to re-introduce traditional sailing skills to Tonga.

Club founder Don McIntyre said he wanted to work with local youth, teaching them to swim and use dinghies and to form a Tongan Sailing Federation.

Plans also include building five 6.5 metre twin hulled traditional canoes and to hold a formal sailing school in using using vakas for 15-25 year olds.

The Kaniva Tonga Band has been invited to perform  during the regatta to help promote the Tongan Nomuka Royal Club.

The  main points

  • Superyacht Ammonite has sailed from Tonga to take part in is week’s New Zealand Millennium Cup.
  • Ammonite is a member of the Royal Namuka Yacht Club in Tonga.
  • The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club is seeking sponsors to help funds its project to re-introduce traditional sailing skills to Tonga.

For more information 

New Zealand Millennium Cup