From all over the globe, mega-yachts have converged on Auckland, New Zealand, not just to watch the America?s Cup matches, but to do a few turns of their own. On Wednesday, February 16, some 48 vessels 65 feet LOA and larger will participate in the Millennium Cup. Among the fleet, 38 are sailing yachts that will cross a starting line off Auckland en route to Kawau Island. The yachts will overnight there and retrace their steps back to Auckland in a race the following day.

The fleet of sailing vessels includes the 145-foot Mari Cha III (a transatlantic record holder), the 110-foot Mandalay, and the classic schooner Shenandoah. The sail-powered yachts are divided into two classes, those 100 feet and larger, and those 65 to 99 feet LOA.