Dolphins on SailGP course see racing called off

Returning to the South Island on comparatively quick discover after the proposed Auckland occasion was scrapped as a consequence of land at Wynyard Level being unavailable to make use of as a spectator venue, followers have been despatched dwelling with out seeing any racing on Saturday night.

SailGP regattas are run over two days, with the primary day that includes three fleet races with all 10 groups. The second day options two extra fleet races, earlier than the highest three groups after the 5 races meet within the podium race to seek out an occasion winner.

Racing was as a consequence of get underway on Lyttelton Harbour round 3pm on Saturday afternoon, nevertheless there have been dolphins swimming across the beginning line and the groups have been compelled to sit down and wait.

SailGP have protocols in place for when wildlife is seen or detected on or close to the race course, with racing being dropped at a halt till the marine life passes on. The same delay was seen within the international foiling league’s first foray into New Zealand final 12 months, with dolphins on the right track inflicting groups to attend to get underway on opening day final 12 months as properly.

However whereas final 12 months’s delay didn’t restrict the quantity of racing, Saturday’s racing was delayed for about 90 minutes earlier than the decision was finally made to name it off because the dolphins had not moved on.

The league is predicted to launch a press release concerning the choice later at present. — The New Zealand Herald

By Christopher Reive

SailGP is not going to return to Christchurch – Russell Coutts

SailGP says it’s working with host metropolis companions in New Zealand and all over the world to finalise subsequent season’s occasion calendar, after its chief govt introduced the tour is not going to return to Christchurch subsequent 12 months.

Talking on the eve of the New Zealand race leg in Lyttelton this weekend, Russell Coutts advised One Information final evening that Lyttelton Harbour was a implausible venue however “minority pursuits” had made issues too tough.

Christchurch stepped in to host the occasion for a second time when Auckland pulled out of internet hosting duties in November.

However there have been issues about collisions with endangered Hector’s dolphins that are present in and across the harbour.

SailGP organisers expect a document crowd of twenty-two,000 folks to observe the high-speed crusing this weekend.

A Lyttelton enterprise proprietor stated it’s disappointing SailGP will not return subsequent 12 months as a result of everybody was working collectively to maintain the dolphins secure.

Grace Uivel from Ata Ceramics stated SailGP had been working “rather well” with native hapū and the Division of Conservation.

“On the finish of the day the minority group could be the individuals who wish to see these dolphins harmed.

“I feel we’re actually all on the identical workforce right here so it is disappointing that we won’t make it work.”

This afternoon’s first first race was delayed by greater than an hour after a dolphin sighting.

A spokesperson advised RNZ that Sail GP anticipated to substantiate occasions for Season 5 subsequent month, including that it could embody an expanded schedule.

“That course of contains intensive feasibility and planning to finalise a schedule that aligns with international delivery timelines.”

She stated that for now, SailGP was “completely centered on delivering one other spectacular occasion in Christchurch, which has confirmed to be one of many easiest locations in our international racing championship”.

Christchurch Metropolis Councillor for Banks Peninsula Ward Tyrone Fields advised RNZ it was unhappy that Russell Coutts had felt compelled to make his announcement on the day earlier than racing began.