Loitering dolphins cancel SailGP’s Saturday races

Sunday, 24 March 2024

Fans were left disappointed after dolphins forced the first day of the SailGP in Christchurch to be abandoned.

Marine mammals loitering in Lyttleton harbour forced SailGP to cancel their first day of racing to the dismay of thousands of punters.

Over 20,000 attendees are expected to descend on Naval Point over the weekend to witness world-class, adrenaline pumping racing - but so far, its just been Dave Dobbyn.

On Saturday, a dolphin was spotted in the race course’s vicinity, delaying the start for over an hour and a half until it was eventually canned.

Most attendees leaving the event were understanding but annoyed.

“[It’s] very disappointing, but that’s the way sailing goes sometimes,” Murray Rodwell said, who had been looking forward to his first in-person viewing of SailGP.

“We thought we’d get the chance to watch it in real life but it’s not to be today - but we’ll be back tomorrow.”

Over 20,000 spectators are expected to attend SailGP over the weekend.

Alice McKinley said SailGP had made the right decision concerning the dolphin but noted “there’s some really disappointed people here”.

“Considering we’re on the national stage right now it was definitely the best thing to do… it’s pretty important for New Zealand’s image.“

However, Katy Hunter labelled the decision “ridiculous”.

“Anywhere else in the world they would have gone ahead.”

SailGP chief executive Russell Coutts recently announced the event wouldn’t return to Christchurch due to the powers “a few minority groups” hold.

“I feel very sorry for Russell Coutts because he’s organised this amazing event and everyone’s leaving.”

SailGP chief executive Roussell Coutts previously announced the event wouldn’t be returning to Christchurch due to “a few minority groups that have a huge say in what happens”.

However, a SailGP spokesperson said Christchurch “has proven to be one of the very best destinations in our global racing championship”.

The SailGP F50’s still got out on the water on Saturday but were unable to race.

The Season 5 calendar wouldn’t be confirmed until April and SailGP was working with host city partners in New Zealand, the spokesperson said.

During the dolphin delay, gelato vendor Jan Willert said they did a “great job” at entertaining the crowd with interviews, dancing and Dave Dobbyn on the big screen.

“It’s understandable but of course, at the same time, incredibly sad and certainly frustrating.”

The worse case scenario could have seen a boat butchering a large marine mammal, he noted.

“[Then] you’ve got the animal itself that’s going to be harmed, you’ve got huge damage to the boat, and you’ve got the crew in danger…probably not worth it.”

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke were unable to perform on Saturday.

Apart from the cancelled races, Willert had a successful day with over 400 gelatos sold.

Black Foils driver Peter Burling thanked the “incredible” support from the stands despite the dolphin delay.

“It's pretty disappointing not to get racing today, not just for us, but for our fans, who came down to cheer us on.”

“We hope we will be back on the water and put on an amazing show tomorrow.”

SailGP managing director Andrew Thompson said it was a “really challenging day” especially considering the huge turnout.

Despite dolphin disruptions, Dave Dobbyn got people dancing on Saturday.

“We have a marine mammal plan and that plan was in place and unfortunately it meant we couldn't sail today.

“The athletes were ready to go, the conditions were epic and we were looking forward to some really fast racing.

“The conditions are looking really top end for tomorrow, so hopefully the F50s will be out there ripping around and we can send the fans home super happy.”

Race village gates open at 11am. Racing will commence from 3pm to 4:30pm, dolphin dependant.