What Happened to SailGP in Auckland?

The high-octane world of SailGP, the global sailing league known for its futuristic foiling catamarans that skim across the water at speeds exceeding 50 knots, has hit a snag in New Zealand. On April 23, 2026, it was confirmed that Auckland will not host the 2027 Sail Grand Prix after the New Zealand government rejected a crucial funding application. This decision marks the end of a vibrant chapter for the event in the City of Sails, leaving fans, local businesses, and sailing enthusiasts wondering what comes next for this adrenaline-fueled spectacle on the Waitematā Harbour.

SailGP Auckland has been a highlight on the international calendar, drawing massive crowds and injecting energy into the waterfront. The news came as a blow just after the successful 2026 event, which wrapped up the initial four-year hosting agreement between SailGP, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), and the government. Without central government support through the Major Events Fund (MEF), organizers could not finalize arrangements, sidelining Auckland for at least the next season.

Understanding SailGP: The League That's Revolutionizing Sailing

SailGP, officially the Rolex SailGP Championship, launched in 2018 as a brainchild of tech billionaire Larry Ellison and led by New Zealand sailing legend Sir Russell Coutts. Unlike traditional yacht racing, SailGP features identical high-performance catamarans—each 50 feet long with T-foils and wing sails—that 'fly' above the water on hydrofoils. This innovation reduces drag, allowing boats to hit blistering speeds while minimizing environmental impact through low-draft designs suitable for inner harbors.

The league pits national teams against each other in a season of 10-13 events worldwide, culminating in a $2 million grand final. Teams like Black Foils New Zealand, skippered by America's Cup hero Peter Burling, have been frontrunners, showcasing Kiwi sailing prowess. The format includes fleet races and match racing, broadcast live to millions, blending extreme sports excitement with strategic sailing mastery.

What sets SailGP apart is its global footprint—from Sydney to Dubai—and focus on sustainability, with electric chase boats and carbon-neutral goals. In New Zealand, it resonates deeply, building on the nation's rich sailing heritage from Olympic golds to multiple America's Cup wins.

SailGP's Thrilling History in New Zealand

New Zealand entered the SailGP spotlight in the 2022-23 season with the inaugural ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch's Lyttelton Harbour. Extreme winds and close racing captivated 25,000 spectators, despite challenging conditions that tested the foiling tech. The event alternated locations: Christchurch again in 2023-24, then Auckland in 2024-25 and 2026, adapting to harbor logistics and fan demand.

Auckland's Wynyard Quarter transformed into Race Stadium with grandstands holding up to 30,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere. Memorable moments include Peter Burling's daring maneuvers and collisions that highlighted the series' intensity—like the dramatic New Zealand-France crash in a prior Auckland regatta, repaired just in time for racing. Christchurch events faced dolphin interruptions and weather cancellations, but built a loyal South Island base.

Over four events, SailGP delivered spectacular racing: New Zealand podiums, record attendances, and onshore festivals with live music, food trucks, and fan zones. The 2026 Auckland finale drew over 28,000, setting the stage for hopes of continuation—until funding faltered.

The Funding Bid: What Went Wrong?

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Council's events arm, spearheaded the bid for 2027, seeking partnership funding from the MEF. They resolved date conflicts with other events, secured infrastructure like expanded grandstands, and committed local dollars. A prior $5 million government offer in 2025 was in principle accepted but lapsed over scheduling; a fresh February 2026 request sought more to cover rising costs.

However, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) assessed it under MEF Focus Area One, requiring proven net national economic benefits via international visitors or direct spend. Tight timelines—mere months before the calendar lock-in—and insufficient data led to rejection. Minister Louise Upston communicated this to Mayor Wayne Brown, emphasizing fiscal prudence amid competing priorities.

Government's Stance and MEF Criteria Explained

The Major Events Fund, administered by MBIE, invests $50-100 million annually in events delivering broad benefits. Criteria prioritize:

• Net economic return, modeled via visitor spend and jobs.
• National profile and tourism lift.
• Alignment with government goals like regional development.
• Risk assessment, including leverage (private vs. public funding).

For SailGP, projections fell short on international draw—past events skewed domestic (70-80% Kiwi attendees)—and direct expenditure amid rising global costs. Govt remains open to 2028-29 bids with better prep time. This mirrors scrutiny on other bids, prioritizing events like Rugby World Cup warm-ups or motorsport with stronger ROI forecasts.

Learn more about the MEF criteria on the official site.

Reactions Pour In: Disappointment and Defiance

TAU CEO Nick Hill voiced frustration: Auckland "did everything to get this across the line," highlighting resolved hurdles and commitment to the harbor. SailGP's Coutts praised Kiwi fans and partners, noting four "hugely successful" events and eyeing 2028 returns via ongoing talks.

Local businesses lamented lost revenue—waterfront hotels, bars, and tours thrived on event weekends. Fan groups on social media decried the decision, tagging #BringBackSailGPAuckland. Mayor Brown hinted at council-led alternatives, while opposition politicians questioned MEF transparency. Positively, Black Foils affirmed focus on racing abroad, buoyed by strong season form.

Economic Legacy: Billions in Value from Past Events

Past SailGP stops proved lucrative. Christchurch's 2023 event generated $13.9 million regionally (Deloitte report), with $5.2 million direct spend on hospitality and transport. Auckland 2026 topped $20 million impact, including 15,000 international visitors spending $8 million, per TAU estimates. Cumulative: over $50 million GDP boost, 200+ jobs per event, and GST returns covering much public investment.

• Attendance: 100,000+ across events.
• Visitor nights: 40,000 extra in host cities.
• Media value: $30 million global exposure.

Businesses reported 30-50% sales spikes; one Viaduct eatery owner called it "our Super Bowl." Yet critics note domestic-heavy crowds dilute national ROI, echoing America's Cup debates where $293 million losses were alleged (disputed figures).

Government Priorities: Tough Choices in Events Funding

MEF's $85 million 2026 pool funded 20+ events, favoring regional spread and high-leverage like Crankworx (Queenstown MTB) or World Masters Games. Sailing faces stiff competition from rugby, cricket, and e-sports amid post-COVID recovery and fiscal tightening. Recent approvals emphasize measurables: 3:1 return ratios. SailGP's bid, at short notice, couldn't match.

Could Christchurch Step In? Exploring Alternatives

Christchurch hosted twice successfully but withdrew from 2025 hosting amid costs. Lyttelton's winds suit foiling, and South Island tourism craves events. No 2027 approach yet, but SailGP's NZ leg hiatus opens doors—perhaps Timaru or Wellington? Globally, slots fill fast; Brazil, Dubai vie. NZ team competes regardless, but home soil adds edge.

Looking Ahead: Pathways for SailGP's NZ Return

Optimism lingers for 2028: earlier bids, refined economics (target 40% international), private sponsorships. Auckland eyes bed taxes or corporate tie-ins; govt hints at multi-year deals. SailGP expands to 15 teams, eyeing NZ loyalty. Broader: bolsters youth sailing programs, inspires STEM via tech demos.

Stakeholders urge collaboration: TAU-SailGP-MEIE tripartite working group could revive. Meanwhile, Ocean Race 2027 stops in Auckland, sustaining buzz.

Implications for New Zealand Sports Tourism

This rejection spotlights challenges: balancing prestige with ROI in a small market. Positives abound—SailGP elevated NZ globally, akin to Dubai's hosting pivot. Lessons: longer lead times, diversified funding. Fans pivot to live streams; businesses diversify. Ultimately, it underscores sailing's Kiwi DNA endures, funding or not.

For full details, see the RNZ report on the announcement.

Photo by Matthew Buchanan on Unsplash