We talked to Captain Tom Kinver ahead of the Millennium Cup about what makes sailing yacht SILVERTIP so special.
Featuring tastefully minimalist design, flush decks and outstanding sailing performance, 34m sailing yacht SILVERTIP was made for the exhilaration of regattas. This year the yacht, which is available for sale and charter with Ocean Independence, is participating in both the New Zealand Millennium Cup and Mastercard Superyacht Regatta.
Taking place from 28 -31 March 2021, the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta has become a prominent world superyacht event, thanks to the unique atmosphere, warm hospitality and highly enjoyable, but fiercely competitive, racing. SILVERTIP won in 2012, despite being one of the smallest in the fleet, thanks to the light breeze and the fact she is fast and nimble. After coming a close third in 2020, can the yacht reach the top spot again in 2021? We talked to Captain Tom Kinver to gain more insight into their plans for this exciting regatta.
SILVERTIP has participated and seen success in several races over the years – what makes her such a great yacht for regattas?
The yacht’s sleek design and local knowledge are most definitely the vital factors that have contributed to her regatta success over the years.
How do you rate your chances of success – have you eyed up the competition or is it all very friendly? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve or clever strategies?
Most years SILVERTIP starts behind the rest of the fleet. If we can get a clean lane early, sail the race that we want to sail and not be dictated by others, then we stand a very good chance. The competition is always extremely friendly which is the key to the great atmosphere around the Millennium Cup. The Millennium Cup changed to the ORC rating only a couple of years ago, so we have been working hard to figure out SILVERTIP’s best setup under this newly acquired scheme. We have a few tricks, but it is too early to talk about them; local knowledge has played a big part in our past success.
Tell us about the team on board and your racing experience.
Our team on board consists of a mixture of generations of ETNZ sailors as well as locals who know the area like the back of their hand. My personal experience has been in 470s, Swans, Wallys and J Class prior to joining SILVERTIP.
Apart from her superb performance, what makes SILVERTIP a great charter yacht?
SILVERTIP appeals to the passionate sailor who loves experiencing remote locations. She has so many good qualities, from her big square top main sail and long bowsprit to enhance her sailing performance, to the array of dive gear, large fuel capacity and fridge freezer space for time spent in off the beaten track locations.
What makes the Millennium Cup stand out from other regattas around the world?
The stunning backdrop of the Bay of Islands, friendly atmosphere and great sailing waters make it one of the best superyacht regattas I have competed in.
Does the chef have a special “energy” menu, or do you have any fitness plans to follow getting ready for regattas? How do you prepare?
Not particularly. The crew tend to keep themselves fit and healthy in their day to day lives, however on race days the chef prepares high energy snacks and healthy wraps.
What is your favourite destination you have explored with SILVERTIP?
Most definitely Vanua Balavu, Lau Group, Fiji.
After racing, what plans does the yacht have for the coming months?
The yacht will head back to Europe where she is available to charter in the Mediterranean.
We wish the crew on board the very best of luck during the upcoming Millennium Cup and Mastercard Superyacht Regatta, and look forward to watching their progress over the coming days. SILVERTIP is available both for sale and charter with Ocean Independence. Please contact us or speak to your broker for more information.
