SailGP will not return to Auckland in 2027. Photo / Felix Diemer, SailGP
When the time comes for SailGP to put together its schedule for 2027, Auckland will not be on it.
The global foiling league has confirmed it will not return to the City of Sails in 2027 after being unable to reach an agreement on terms.
“SailGP has enjoyed four hugely successful events in New Zealand, with spectacular racing and incredible energy on shore,” SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts said in a statement confirming the league won’t be back next year.
“We’re especially grateful to the New Zealand fans, who have shown up in force year after year, and to our partners in Auckland for their support.
“We remain in dialogue with the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council and their respective agencies, as we look ahead to a possible return from 2028 and beyond.”
The 2026 edition was the fourth year SailGP had run an event on New Zealand waters, with the first two on Lyttelton Harbour.
New Zealand’s representatives in the series, the Black Foils, said it was disappointing they won’t get to race in front of home fans in 2027.
“The four events held in New Zealand so far across Christchurch and Auckland have been hugely important for the team and we are immensely proud that events held in Aotearoa have set the benchmark across the league, including record crowds. Racing in front of our home fans means the world to us,” they said in a team statement.
“Our home events are also vital opportunities to connect with our fantastic group of team partners. We have had amazing support in New Zealand over the last four years when racing at home and we know how important the home events have been to them.
“We understand it hasn’t been possible to reach an agreement on a New Zealand event next year but we will put our full support behind efforts to have the Rolex SailGP Championship return in the future.
“SailGP is a global championship and, while we won’t be in Auckland, it’s exciting to see the league expand into new territories and grow the calendar. We spend the majority of our year away from home so next year won’t be too much of an adjustment for the team.
“Whilst we won’t be racing at home next season, we will still have a presence in Aotearoa, with community events during the season.”
1News reported the league would not be returning in 2027 because of the Government pulling its funding.
Coutts had also previously noted there was a timing issue as the league wanted to return to Auckland at the same time as The Ocean Race in March 2027.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) proposed a joint offer of $5 million per annum for the 2027 and 2028 regattas on the condition that a clash with The Ocean Race was avoided.
In an email to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston explained the decision and said while the offer was accepted, TAU and SailGP were “unable to reach agreement on delivery dates for the 2027 event”.
“SailGP submitted a further MEF [Major Events Fund] application in February 2026 for 2027-2029 seeking higher investment and requested an accelerated decision by March 31, despite the usual assessment period for such a request taking several months,” Upston wrote.
“SailGP’s application was assessed under the MEF’s Focus Area One, which requires events to deliver net national economic benefits to New Zealand, primarily through the attraction of international visitors and/or direct event delivery expenditure. Given the timeframes involved and the information available, investment in the 2027 event was declined as it did not meet MEF criteria.”
TAU chief executive Nick Hill said Auckland had done everything to get the event across the line, including resolving date issues, committing funds, and meeting land and infrastructure requirements.
“We worked incredibly hard to try to make this happen and are committed to SailGP returning to the Waitematā Harbour in future years,” he said.
“Auckland’s host city offer was contingent on a two-way funding partnership between Auckland Council and central Government and the Government has decided not to fund SailGP 2027. On that basis, the 2027 event cannot proceed.
“Auckland has the infrastructure and proven capability to deliver world-class events, and TAU continues to explore options with SailGP for racing in 2028 through to 2030.”
SailGP received $2.34m to host the event in Auckland this year through the Major Events Fund, and a total of $6.39m over the past four years.
Through the fund, The Ocean Race has been allocated up to $4m, with the famed race around the world returning to New Zealand for the first time since 2018.
Upston said the Government remained open to investing in SailGP regattas for 2028 and 2029, and to discussions for the 2027 event if timing allowed.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.