The inaugural New Zealand leg of SailGP scheduled for Lyttelton Harbour next March has sold out within a day.
After early-bird sales, all remaining tickets for the two days have been snapped up after less than 24 hours of public sale. The venue has a 15,000 capacity.
Event director Karl Budge is delighted to see such levels of interest.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the level of interest in next summer's event and can't wait to deliver something pretty unforgettable on Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour next summer," Budge told Newshub.
"It's been a long time coming for Christchurch and we've loved working with the local community, including Lyttelton residents, businesses and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke."
Organisers have briefed several hundred locals, explaining their plans, and fielding any questions or concerns.
Locals were reportedly impressed by the levels of planning shown, and are thought to largely be excited by a great opportunity for the community, with some describing it as "a very positive meeting" and "an exciting event for Lyttelton and Christchurch".
"There were lots of great questions around how the community can get involved and plenty of phones lighting up when we shared access to the presale too," Budge added.
The event, which is estimated to generate $3.2million in tourism expenditure in Christchurch alone, would offer a range of benefits to the region, says ChristchurchNZ acting destination & attraction general manager Tracey Wilson.
The average economic impact of SailGP events to local host cities is US$23 million, alongside community engagement programmes, charitable projects, internships, schools programmes and other activities.
"This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase to the world everything our region has to offer," said Wilson. "Our pristine harbour, vibrant central city, unparalleled natural environment and a unique cultural narrative will be on display to a global audience, and we can’t wait to welcome them."
Last month, it was confirmed the New Zealand leg would be extended to Auckland for 2024, as part of a four-season, alternating multi-city hosting arrangement.
After struggling last season, the New Zealand team has shown dramatic improvement in their second campaign, sitting second on the overall championship ladder, four points behind defending champions Australia.
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 finished sixth at the most-recent event in Spain, with the next leg is in Dubai next month.
