Auckland will host SailGP in 2024.
Organisers have released the schedule for the fourth season of the purpose-driven global racing championship, which will see some of the biggest names in the sport converge on the City of Sails.
In an expanded calendar, teams will compete around the world with the aim to reach 14 events - nearly triple the number of events seen in its 2019 debut season - in a bumper season that spanning 14 months.
SailGP will make its first appearance in New Zealand next March at Lyttelton, before action switches to Auckland a year later, as part of a four-season, alternating multi-city hosting arrangement.
Newshub understands a move to Auckland has been a target for New Zealand organisers, but logistical complications prevented that for next year.
"Halfway through our season three calendar, we are delighted to be sufficiently advanced with our venue procurement process to announce our season four schedule," said SailGP co-founder and chief executive Russell Coutts.
"With the aim to have 14 events and an impressive list of some of the world's most iconic cities and destinations, SailGP continues its rapid expansion.
“We believe we now have a really compelling sporting calendar and I'm extremely proud to see us returning to many of our existing venues for this season, highlighting the strong commercial demand for our events around the world, with our existing host cities and title partners recognising the benefits SailGP brings, as well as welcoming some new cities and partners as part of our extended season four calendar."
After an underwhelming first season, the New Zealand team have shown dramatic improvements in their second campaign. Headed up by America’s Cup and Olympic heroes Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, the Kiwi F50 claimed its maiden win at Plymouth, England last month, before securing victory at Copenhagen less than three weeks later.
They also clinched two of the four races last weekend at Saint-Tropez to finish second, behind United States.
They sit second on the overall points table, one point off Australia, with six events left on the calendar. Racing moves to Spain later this month.
2023
June 17/18 - United States Sail Grand Prix, Chicago at Navy Pier
July 29/30 - European Sail Grand Prix, Event 1
August 18/19 - European Sail Grand Prix, Event 2
September 9/10 - European Sail Grand Prix, Event 3
September 23/24 - Italy Sail Grand Prix at Taranto
October 14/15 - Spain Sail Grand Prix at Andalucía
November 18/19 - Middle East Sail Grand Prix, Event 1
December 9/10 - Middle East Sail Grand Prix, Event 2
2024
January 13/14 - Singapore Sail Grand Prix
February 17/18 - Australia Sail Grand Prix at Sydney
March 16/17 - New Zealand Sail Grand Prix at Auckland
May 4/5 - Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
June 22/23 - North America Sail Grand Prix, Event 2
July 13/14 - SailGP Grand Final
