New Zealand SailGP regatta in 2024 in limbo as Auckland no longer hosting March event

SailGP made its New Zealand debut in Lyttelton in early 2023. Photo / Bob Martin, SailGP

SailGP will work to find a new venue to host its planned regatta in New Zealand in March next year, after deciding not to stage the event in Auckland as planned.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited today announced the worldwide foiling league’s decision, noting the unavailability of Wynyard Point land as a spectator facility was a sticking point in holding the event in Auckland.

In a statement, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said the organisation worked with SailGP to explore “all possible options” to hold the event in Auckland, however the Wynyard Point area was part of SailGP’s original vision for holding the event in Auckland.

It was set to be the league’s first regatta in the City of Sails, after making its New Zealand debut in Lyttelton earlier this year, and while Auckland is no longer set to host the event, SailGP is exploring other options.

“SailGP continues to work with its partners, including relevant local and central government agencies, to progress planning for its season four New Zealand event 23-24 March 2024,” a league statement said.

“We will share more information as soon as it is available.”

The news is another blow for Auckland sailing fans. The city was not involved as a stop in the most recent edition of the Ocean Race, which concluded in June this year, Barcelona won the hosting rights for the America’s Cup in 2024, while the America’s Cup preliminary regattas were scheduled for Vilanova i la Geltru (Spain), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Barcelona (Spain).

The scheduled 2024 SailGP event is the second in a four-year commitment by the league to host regattas in New Zealand, with the initial plan to be biennial visits to Lyttelton and Auckland - with the location switching each year - from 2023 to 2026.

ChristchurchNZ would not comment on the situation for 2024 with Auckland no longer hosting when contacted by NZME.

In the inaugural event - billed as SailGP Christchurch although being sailed on Lyttelton Harbour - data from economics consultancy Fresh Info revealed visitors spent more than $4 million in the region during the two-day regatta, while SailGP reported the event had a total economic impact of $13.9 million for the host city’s regional economy, as independently audited by Deloitte.

More than half of the attendees had travelled from outside Christchurch to take in the action, while more than 136 million watched the racing from 205 broadcast territories.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.