01 February 2024
Last year, the inaugural ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch was a stunning spectacle. It was a wildly successful event and a brilliant showcase for New Zealand, viewed by millions. Can it get much better than that? Absolutely.
When Christchurch stepped up after Auckland could not host SailGP's New Zealand stopover, some saw it as a positive development.“While it’s disappointing that we couldn’t see racing in Auckland, there is a silver lining to the last-minute change of course,” said one yachting commentator.
“The biggest advantage is that Christchurch has the experience of last year’s event to build on, the facilities are already in place, the crews know the course, and the local organisational expertise has been proven.
“What’s more, Christchurch will be the venue again in 2025, so they have certainty and can plan to take things to the next level.”
Spectators get up close to the action
More up-close action
Chief executive Sir Russell Coutts says that Lyttleton Harbour is regarded as one of the most spectacular racing venues of the worldwide SailGP circuit.
“It 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. This is a perfect venue for the stadium-style, inner-harbour
racing SailGP is known for around the world.”
For this year’s event, stadium seating has been enlarged to bring more spectators closer to the action. In a new development, fans will be able to purchase behind-the-scene tours of SailGP team bases and technical areas.
The Season 4 event also promises more competition - with ten national teams battling it out in the stunning natural amphitheatre of Lyttelton Harbour. Following Canada's win in Season 4, the New Zealand SailGP Team will be determined to reclaim victory on home waters.
Sara Johnson, ITM CEO, says, “ITM is thrilled to be heading back to Christchurch in 2024 for this incredible event. Lyttelton has proven itself to be the perfect arena for this style of racing, allowing attendees to get closer to the action. We look forward to seeing even more fans out there in 2024”.
Chief executive Sir Russell Coutts says that Lyttleton Harbour is regarded as one of the most spectacular racing venues of the worldwide SailGP circuit.
“It 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. This is a perfect venue for the stadium-style, inner-harbour
racing SailGP is known for around the world.”
For this year’s event, stadium seating has been enlarged to bring more spectators closer to the action. In a new development, fans will be able to purchase behind-the-scene tours of SailGP team bases and technical areas.
The Season 4 event also promises more competition - with ten national teams battling it out in the stunning natural amphitheatre of Lyttelton Harbour. Following Canada's win in Season 4, the New Zealand SailGP Team will be determined to reclaim victory on home waters.
Sara Johnson, ITM CEO, says, “ITM is thrilled to be heading back to Christchurch in 2024 for this incredible event. Lyttelton has proven itself to be the perfect arena for this style of racing, allowing attendees to get closer to the action. We look forward to seeing even more fans out there in 2024”.
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch will be live on Three and ThreeNow.
The inaugural ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix had a total economic impact of nearly $14 million for the Christchurch regional economy. It generated nearly 23,000 visitor nights and was watched by more than 136 million people in 205 broadcast territories, with over 400,000 Kiwi viewers.
But behind the scenes, a lot more happened:
▶ 665 young people were engaged through the SailGP Inspire education and community outreach programme.
▶ Nearly 100 youth sailors were given the opportunity to train and race on the F50 course.
▶ 450 students took part in learning initiatives, and 20 interns gained realworld employment experience, working with international teams and SailGP departments.
▶ Two projects, funded jointly by SailGP and ChristchurchNZ, delivered lasting environmental impacts, including support for the Ōmaru Stream Restoration Project and real-time acoustic monitoring for Hector’s dolphins in Lyttelton Harbour.