Covid-19 Sinks SailGP’s Multi-Million Dollar Nautical Event in New Zealand

New Zealand’s chance to host the SailGP high-speed yacht races could be lost following the cancellation on Thursday of the scheduled January stage at Lyttelton Harbor.

Described as a “massive coup” and one of the city’s biggest events since the earthquakes, the international regatta was intended to introduce the region to a vast global television audience and raise millions of dollars to New Zealand.

The event was canceled after the government denied the managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) places to SailGP crews. Around 170 places were in demand for the eight racing nations, including New Zealand.

The event’s expected benefits included 4,300 visitors spending 10,800 overnight stays and $ 9 million in the city, a television audience of $ 50 million, and a national economic boost of up to $ 28 million.

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Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was “extremely disappointed” but hoped the city could host the event in the future.

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

SailGP spokesman Karl Budge said it was possible, but not likely, that Lyttelton Harbor could be included in a later season.

Despite attempts at rescheduling, the New Zealand round has been completely abandoned 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,” said Budge. “But the event is doubling in size. There are a lot of requests from other cities and countries around the world who want to host it.”

While Covid-19 had been “a problem for everyone”, all other cities in the current season had managed to host their events, he said.

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

The other teams organizing races are Australia, Great Britain, Italy, France, Bermuda, Spain and Denmark. The grand prix regatta sees foiling catamarans racing at speeds of up to 100 km / h.

Dalziel said Coutts was very impressed with the location and hospitality of Ngāti Wheke who was to be an event partner.

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

No agreed incentive commission will now be paid, but the deposit is non-refundable.

ChristchurchNZ chief executive Joanna Norris said part of the costs could be recouped if the city can accommodate another season.

Many other sports teams and entertainment groups received MIQ seats, including the Bangladesh and Netherlands cricketers, mountain bikers for the Crankworx festival and a Queen tribute group. Hundreds of rooms have also been reserved for overseas fishermen, Dubai Expo attendees and members of the overseas Antarctic programs.

Budge said they had asked the Major Events New Zealand fund to support the government in hosting a future event in Christchurch.

The yacht race is said to have been launched from a fan zone at Naval Point, Lyttelton. Christchurch City Council has confirmed it will continue with the modernization of Naval Point.

Ngāti Wheke chairman Manaia Rehu said they were also disappointed with the cancellation.

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