Race Day One cancelled in Christchurch after mammals spotted on course

Racing cancelled due to prolonged mammal activity on the racecourse
11,000 spectators enjoyed a live music performance from New Zealand legend Dave Dobbyn
Emirates GBR SailGP Team hoping to get back out racing on Sunday

Race Day One of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix was cancelled due to mammals on the course in Christchurch. All 10 teams were on the water on Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and ready to race when a mammal was spotted on the racecourse. A delay to the start was initially anticipated, but after 90 minutes passed and the mammal was still present, racing was cancelled.

Season 4 // Dolphin on Christchurch race course on Race Day 1

The 11,000 spectators that had gathered on Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour did not let that dampen their spirits, as they enjoyed a live music performance from New Zealand legend Dave Dobbyn.

Season 4 // Dave Dobbyn Christchurch Race Day 1

Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills said: “Unfortunately we didn’t end up racing on the first day. We had amazing conditions and a really nice breeze but there were dolphins on racecourse and with SailGP’s Marine Mammal Management Plan, we can’t go sailing when there’s dolphins on the course, but hopefully we will go racing tomorrow.”

Read the full story on Emirates GBR’s website HERE.