SailGP will bring a regatta to New Zealand in 2024, with Christchurch coming to the rescue after Auckland was ruled out as a viable location to host the March event.
The 2024 New Zealand stop in the global foiling league’s schedule was thrown into limbo late last month as SailGP deemed Auckland was not a viable host given land at Wynyard Point was not available to be utilised for spectators. SailGP has a set vision for its events, putting the fans as close to the action as possible - the benefits of which were seen in Dubai last weekend where arguably the closest finish in league history played out mere metres from spectators.
Without the area at Wynyard Point, the league felt they would not be able to host an event to its standards and made the call not to visit Auckland.
Instead, they will return to Christchurch to sail on Lyttelton Harbour to race on March 23 and 24, following their successful New Zealand debut at the venue in early 2023. The 2024 edition will be a bigger event, with more seating being made available for fans, allowing for about 22,000 spectators over the weekend.