In 2023, SailGP had as good an introduction to a new audience as they could have hoped for, with the sun shining, the wind blowing and the teams racing at pace and proximity.
“Christchurch has proven to be one of our very best events to date - with fantastic racing, thousands of fans and spectacular scenery in a natural amphitheatre,” SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts said.
“This is a perfect venue for the stadium-style, inner-harbour racing SailGP is known for around the world and we can’t wait to bring more fans closer to the action with additional grandstands planned for next year’s event.”
The event in Auckland would have been the second regatta in a four-year commitment to visit New Zealand, with the initial plan being for the events to alternate between Christchurch and Auckland each year.
The league is yet to confirm if that regatta-sharing plan will remain as such for the next two years.
It is welcome news for the New Zealand SailGP Team, who won last weekend’s frantic finish in Dubai and sit third on the overall leaderboard at the midway point of the season.
“I think the travel side of the home advantage is very real. We spend so much time competing on the other side of the world and to have one a little closer to home is something we’re really proud of. To be able to share this incredible league with our home fans, family and friends is really special,” New Zealand SailGP Team driver Peter Burling said.
“The home event is absolutely crucial for us as a team in terms of our growth. The amount of support we get from back home is incredible, but it really takes people seeing the event up close and personal, and getting along to really understand what we’re doing.”
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
