Ocean Independence's SILVERTIP - Eyes on the Prize

Taking place from 15-17 February 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, due to the light breeze and the fact she is fast and nimble. In 2020 she came a close third, so can she snare the top slot again in 2021?

Amanda Thibaut from Ocean Independence talked to Captain Tom Kinver to gain more insight into their plans for this exciting regatta.

AMANDA THIBAUT (AT): SILVERTIP has participated and seen success in several races over the years – what makes her such a great yacht for regattas?

TOM KIVNER (TK): Her sleek design and local knowledge are most definitely the vital factors that have contributed to Silvertip’s regatta success over the years.

AT: 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?

TK: Most years Silvertip usually 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. A few tricks but it is too early to talk about them, local knowledge has played a big part in Silvertip’s past success.

AT: Tell us about the team on board and your racing experience?

TK: Our team onboard 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 470’s, Swan's, Wally’s and J Class prior to joining Silvertip.

AT: Apart from her superb performance, what makes SILVERTIP a great charter yacht?

TK: 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.

AT: What makes the Millennium Cup/regattas in New Zealand stand out from others around the world?

TK: The stunning backdrop of the Bay of Island, friendly atmosphere and great sailing waters make it one of the best superyacht regattas I have competed in.

AT: 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?

TK: 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.

AT: What is your favourite destination you have explored with SILVERTIP? Most definitely Vanua Balavu, Lau Group, TK: Fiji

AT: After racing, what plans does the yacht have for the coming months?

TK: The boat will head back to Europe where she is available to charter.

We wish the crew on board the very best of luck for successful sailing during the Millennium Cup and look forward to watching their progress over the coming days. SILVERTIP will also be competing in the Mastercard Superyacht Regatta from 24-27 February in Auckland, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Available for both charter and sale with Ocean Independence, please contact us for further details on SILVERTIP.

Ocean Independence is a full-service superyacht brokerage company, specialising in yacht sales, charter, new build and management. One of the fastest-growing companies in the luxury-yachting sector, it has the largest crewed charter fleet in the world and a team that combines more years of marine expertise than any other brokerage company globally.

Founded in 2005, Ocean Independence now has approximately 115 employees, operating from 13 offices around the world, speaking 23 different languages.

For more information please contact:

Amanda Thibaut

Marketing Communications Executive

amanda@ocyachts.com

+44 01273 831010

www.oceanindependence.com