SailGP is deeply committed to protecting the environments in which it operates and has rigorous marine mammal protection protocols in place for every city it visits, including Ōtautahi, Christchurch, which centres around the protection of Upokohue / Hector’s dolphin.

A wide team of observers, conservation experts and monitoring technologies is required to deliver this industry-leading protection programme across the event. SailGP is also asking for all of its boating visitors to stay vigilant and report any sightings of marine life in the event area to your local course marshall boat.

In the event of mammal sightings around the event, SailGP asks that boaters stick to the following Department of Conservation guidelines:

• Approach whales and dolphins from behind and to the side as shown in the diagram below. Do not circle them, obstruct their path, or cut through any group
• Keep at least 100 metres from whales (or 200 metres from any large whale mother and calf or calves) and 50 metres from dolphins and pinnipeds
• Do not encourage bow riding by marine mammals. Should any marine mammal(s) commence bow riding in front of a vessel, the vessel master will not change course or speed suddenly
• Ensure that you travel no faster than idle or ‘no wake’ speed within 300 metres of any marine mammal
• Idle slowly away
• Speed may be gradually increased to out-distance dolphins and should not exceed 5 knots within 300 metres of any dolphin

SailGP is also asking for all of its boating visitors to stay vigilant and report any sightings of marine life in the event area via the Sea Spotter App or to your local course marshall boat.

To learn more about the Hector's Dolphin and their current conservation efforts and status, please take time to visit the Hector's Dolphin page on the Department of Conservation's website.