SailGP Christchurch is on track to become the world's largest-ever ticketed sailing event, with more than 22,000 fans expected to flock to Lyttelton Harbour for the race later this month.
SailGP chief excutive Sir Russell Coutts, who says 15,000 tickets have already been sold, believes the event is one of the best on the competition's calendar, thanks to both the quality of the racecourse and the passionate Kiwi fans.
"It's just a fantastic venue," he said. "You can set the facilities upright on the water's edge and the breeze generally aligns with the spectator viewing so in those terms it's a fantastic venue.
"The sailors also really like it, there's not too much disturbance because the wind funnels through the Port Hills."
It's the second time Lyttelton has held a SailGP event after Canada won the inaugural race there in 2023.
"It's great to bring an event like this to this part of the county," Sir Russell continued.
"It's great to expose this race to a new audience and get them enthusiastic for it. And It's a great advertisement for New Zealand."
The world champion Yachtsman has also heavily invested in improving the event in 2024, with extra entertainment lined up throughout the weekend.
"This year we've got some exciting after-party activities planned. Dave Dobbyn is playing on Saturday and Shapeshifter on Sunday."
New Zealand are currently jostling at the top of the leaderboard with three-time SailGP defending champions Australia.
After failing to win on their home turf in 2023, the Kiwis will be hoping to flip the script when they return to Lyttelton.
"I hope they [New Zealand] can pull it off, but the Aussies will be tough to beat," Sir Russell concluded.
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