Sailors testing new T-foils in Auckland conditions ahead of racing. Video / Sail GP
All you need to know ahead of SailGP’s Auckland debut.
What’s happening?
A fleet of 11 F50 foiling catamarans will tear around the Waitematā Harbour on Saturday and Sunday evening in SailGP’s return to New Zealand.
After two editions on Lyttelton Harbour, the global foiling league brings its product north on what shapes up as one of the tightest racecourses on the 14-stop schedule.
With the new venue comes a new piece of equipment being unveiled, with the new high-speed T-Foils being used for the first time.
The event was initially scheduled to feature all 12 SailGP teams, but work is still needed to get the French boat race-ready, so they will watch the action from the sidelines.
“I think, honestly, it could be the best Grand Prix ever,” France driver Quentin Delapierre said.
“With 11 boats, new foils, high-speed boards, probably breaking the speed record, it can be unbelievable. Hopefully it won’t have any crashes, but with this tight race, it’s an option.”
Where is the racing going to take place?
While the teams were practicing on the Hauraki Gulf off Takapuna Beach earlier in the week, the racing is on Waitematā Harbour on the city side of the Harbour Bridge off Wynyard Point.
An indicative map of the race area for SailGP's debut in Auckland. Image / SailGP
How can I watch it in Auckland?
If you want to see the action and don’t have a ticket/have no plans of getting one, Sulphur Beach, Stokes Point Reserve should provide the best view points on the north side of the bridge, while you should be able to catch a glimpse of the racing from Bayswater Marina, the Cyril Bassett VC lookout at Stanley Point, and atop Mt Victoria.
In the city, Princes Wharf and The Lighthouse should be popular vantage points, while a big screen on the waterfront will broadcast the action.
How can I watch it outside of Auckland?
The racing will be broadcast live on Three and ThreeNow from 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The action will also be livestreamed on the SailGP Youtube channel and the Herald will run a liveblog from 12pm on both days.
How are the conditions looking?
Bring something waterproof as there is a chance of the odd shower on Saturday and Sunday.
The wind looks like it’ll play ball, with a solid easterly forecast on Saturday which is expected to get a touch stronger for finals day on Sunday. That should lend its hand to some fast, frantic racing on the tight Auckland course.
Getting there
It is recommended fans come to the sailing via public transport – or walking, cycling, scootering... you get it.
There will be road closures from Madden St down to the waterfront, but Jellicoe Carpark will be open and accessible via Madden St.
If you’re getting a taxi or Uber, there is a dropbox location on Packenham St.
Bus routes will be unaffected.
Bus travel is included for SailGP ticket holders; just show your event ticket to the driver as you board. There is no parking available at the SailGP race stadium, you’ll need to find a spot in a carpark building – or on the street – nearby and walk over.
If you are heading to the race stadium, bring a water bottle with you. There will be refill sites available.
Are there many Kiwis involved?
The Black Foils are leading the charge for New Zealand and sit atop the leaderboard, but there are a few New Zealand links on the water for other teams.
Black Foils (NZ): Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Liv Mackay, Leo Takahashi, Louis Sinclair, Marcus Hansen.
Brazil: Andy Maloney – flight controller
Italy: Alex Sinclair – grinder, Brad Farrand – reserve sailor/grinder
Switzerland: Stewart Dodson – grinder, Joseph Sullivan - grinder
