Covid-19 sinks SailGP's multimillion-dollar NZ yachting event

Thursday, 16 September 2021

SailGP races are held in harbours around the world.

New Zealand's chance to host the high-speed SailGP yacht races may be lost after the January leg scheduled for Lyttelton Harbour was cancelled on Thursday.

Described as a 'massive coup' and one of the city's biggest events since the earthquakes, the international regatta was intended to showcase the region to a huge global television audiences and bring New Zealand millions of dollars.

The event was cancelled after the Government refused managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) places to SailGP crews. About 170 places were sought for the eight racing nations, including New Zealand.

Forecast benefits from the event included 4300 visitors spending 10,800 visitor nights and $9 million in the city, a television audience of 50 million, and a national economic boost of up to $28m.

* Millions in visitor income at risk after Government says no to MIQ for SailGP**

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was 'extremely disappointed', but hoped the city could host the event in future.

'At least that would give us something to look forward to.'

SailGP spokesman Karl Budge said it was possible, but not probable, that Lyttelton Harbour could be fitted into a later season.

Despite attempts to reschedule, the New Zealand leg has been dropped altogether from the current season, which ends in San Francisco in March.

'We would love to see an event in Christchurch, it's a spectacular venue,' Budge said. 'But the event is doubling in size. There's a lot of demand from other cities and countries around the world wanting to host.'

New Zealand and Spain during the SailGP event held in France this year.

While Covid-19 had been 'an issue for everybody', all other cities in the current season had managed to host their events, he said.

SailGP was co-founded by star New Zealand yachtsman Sir Russell Coutts, and the Kiwi team is headed by Olympians and America's Cup champions Blair Tuke and Peter Burling.

Lyttelton Harbour from Christchurch’s Port Hills. (File photo)

Other teams hosting races are Australia, Britain, Italy, France, Bermuda, Spain and Denmark. The grand prix regatta sees foiling catamarans racing at speeds of up to 100kmh.

Dalziel said Coutts had been very impressed with the location, and by the hospitality of Ngāti Wheke who were to have been a partner in the event.

NZ make strong start to France SailGP.

Promotion and economic development agency ChristchurchNZ, which worked with SailGP to secure the event, confirmed its efforts had cost $300,000 for staffing, marketing and communications, traffic management and health and safety work.

An agreed incentive fee will not now be paid, but the deposit is non-refundable.

ChristchurchNZ chief executive Joanna Norris said some of the cost could be recovered if the city could host in another season.

Many other sports teams and entertainment groups have been granted MIQ places, including the Bangladesh and Netherlands cricket teams, mountain bikers for the Crankworx festival, and a sound-alike Queen tribute band. Hundreds of rooms have also been set aside for overseas fishermen, Dubai Expo attendees and members of overseas Antarctic programmes.

Budge said they had applied to the Major Events New Zealand fund for Government support to run a future event in Christchurch.

The yacht racing would have launched from a fan zone at Naval Point, Lyttelton. The Christchurch City Council confirmed it would with continue with the upgrade of Naval Point.

Ngāti Wheke chair Manaia Rehu said they were also disappointed by the cancellation.

The event would have showcased Ngāi Tahu and Rapaki people through their art, food, music, kapa haka, storytelling and environmental and treaty partnerships.