SailGP has announced that it will not be returning to Christchurch in 2025, as the league has decided to withdraw from its hosting agreement with ChristchurchNZ for the event. However, a New Zealand event is still expected to be included on the calendar for the upcoming season.
According to a spokesperson for SailGP, the league is working on finalizing its Season 5 schedule, which will feature an expanded event calendar with new and returning venues. While specific locations have not been confirmed yet, it has been announced that the season will include a return to Abu Dhabi and New York, as well as the first-ever SailGP event in Geneva, Switzerland.
The decision to move away from Christchurch comes after an event earlier this year was impacted by marine life, causing the opening day of racing to be called off due to a dolphin sighting on the race course. Despite this setback, the league’s chief executive, Sir Russell Coutts, expressed doubts about returning to the venue in the future.
While Lyttleton Harbour was voted as the league’s best location to sail in a poll conducted among SailGP athletes, there are concerns about the environmental impact of hosting events in certain locations. Great Britain strategist Hannah Mills emphasized the importance of considering the effects on the environment and local species when selecting event venues.
Initially, Christchurch was expected to host the event for the third consecutive year in 2025, following an agreement signed by SailGP to alternate between Christchurch and Auckland as hosts. However, due to the recent developments, Auckland is now being considered as a potential host for the upcoming season.
In a statement, ChristchurchNZ accepted SailGP’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 hosting agreement after fulfilling the original intention to host two events in New Zealand. The economic impact of the March event in Christchurch was substantial, with a total economic impact of US$20.7 million and a gross expenditure of US$9.5 million by SailGP and competing teams.
As the current season approaches its penultimate event in New York, the Black Foils currently hold the top spot on the season leaderboard. The season finale is set to take place in San Francisco in July, with Spain and Australia rounding out the top three positions. Stay tuned for more updates from SailGP as the season progresses.