This weekend, the most exciting racing on water returns to the home of sailing – New Zealand. The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch will unfold over two action-packed days of racing, 23-24 March 2024. Here’s what you need to know about the record-setting event.
THE RACING
Voted best venue on the Season 3 calendar in an anonymous athlete poll, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix sets sail on Whakaraup? Lyttelton Harbour – a stunning natural amphitheatre set in the heart of Banks Peninsula.
With live racing between 3-4.30pm NZDT, the event will comprise five fleet races before the winner-takes-all, three-boat final. The event marks the 9th event on Season 4’s record 13-event calendar.
Ten national teams will compete in identical, supercharged F50 catamarans, with teams battling it out for every point at the critical ‘business end’ of the season. Jostling at the top of the leaderboard with Australia, all eyes will be on the recently-rebranded Black Foils, the New Zealand SailGP Team. Driver Peter Burling will be back at the wheel after missing last month’s event in Sydney, and the Kiwis will be vying for a win on home waters – an opportunity snatched by Canada last year. See full championship standings here.
FINAL TICKETS SELLING FAST
All ticket categories will be located within the purpose-built Race Stadium at Naval Point in Lyttelton. A record-setting 22,000 fans are expected across the weekend. Limited grandstand (reserved seating) tickets remain on both Saturday and Sunday. Fans are encouraged to get in quick to avoid missing out! Final tickets are available for purchase at Ticketek.co.nz/SailGP.
ON-SHORE ENTERTAINMENT
Action on the water, party on shore, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will include post-racing entertainment by world-class musicians, including Kiwi music icons Sir Dave Dobbyn (Saturday) and Shapeshifter (on Sunday). Both will play live from the Platinum Lawn, with performances amplified throughout the rest of the Race Stadium on large screens.
DJs, ground commentary, activations and other entertainment will provide a vibrant, festive atmosphere throughout the Race Stadium, which opens at 11.30am and closes at 7pm. Fans are encouraged to get there early to soak up the excitement on-site.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Fans will also be treated to a mouthwatering food offering, locally-sourced and inspired by the best of the region. Designed by Executive Chef Dan Shanks, a range of fare will be available for all dietary preferences and requirements, including Kaikoura crayfish rolls, Marlborough Oysters, Fried free-range chicken, cured Akaroa salmon on the Platinum Lawn menu. Local food vendors in the Race Stadium include Yum Yum Real Fruit ice cream, Kung Fu Dumplings, Roma Taco, Smoke n Barrel, Miro Oyster Bar and She Universe Chocolate.
The culinary concept for the Adrenaline Lounge – SailGP’s top-tier hospitality offering – has been designed by New Zealand Chef of the Year 2020, Giuilio Sturla, in partnership with Shanks. Sturla owns iconic Lyttelton venue, ‘Mapu,’ which provides tailored dining experiences for just six guests per night, with all ingredients sourced from the Banks Peninsula.
GETTING THERE
The most reliable, efficient and sustainable way to get to the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will be via official event shuttles, included in the price of all ticket categories. These FREE shuttles begin at 11am, and will depart from the city centre transport hub located outside of Te Pae on Oxford Terrace off Gloucester Street. Shuttles will return to this location after racing with the first bus departing Lyttelton at 4:30PM.
HOW TO WATCH – BROADCAST
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch will be live on Three at 3pm each day, and live and on-demand on the ThreeNow app.
FIND OUT MORE
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch is delivered in partnership with host partners ChristchurchNZ and New Zealand Major Events, Title Partner ITM, and event partners Alvarium, Rodd & Gunn and Heineken. Find out more about the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix at SailGP.com/NewZealand
