The Black Foils helmed by Peter Burling cross the finish line during Race 4 on Race Day 1 of The Rolex SailGP 2025 Championship. Photo: Iain McGregor for SailGP
SailGP is returning to Auckland waters, with the city of sails set to see a record crowd for the global foiling league.
A custom built grandstand in Wynyard Point will be able to accommodate for the highest-ticketed event in SailGP history.
The 30 percent increase in grandstand size could see the number of spectators grow from 7740 to 10,236.
SailGP head of event for New Zealand Alex Corry said they expected 25,000 people across the weekend.
"We thought that was the largest we could go last year, but we've got great supplier here in Auckland that we have been working with really closely to see how we can build a bigger grandstand. We have proven that we can build a fantastic race stadium here and we are looking forward to doing that again."
Corry said Auckland gave the fans the full experience of what Sail GP is.
"New Zealand is a sailing nation obviously, so we knew that we had a good fan base. It was just really great to have such a successful event here on Wynyard Point and show what Sail GP is all about, harbour stadium racing, getting people in the grandstand metres from the 50s out on water."
In a bid to attract younger fans, child tickets will also be introduced.
"We are really trying to get a younger audience and maybe future SailGP sailors through the race stadium."
The harbour has been the breeding ground for many Kiwi sailors, including current Black Foil, Leo Takahashi.
"To sail the boats in this place was extra special. To see so many New Zealanders get amongst it was really cool to see."
Takahashi said the atmosphere in Auckland was something special.
"As a sailor you never really have so many spectators watching, so to come past a grandstand and hear chairs. It's quite a new feeling, so yeah, definitely a pinch me moment."
The fleet led by Spain SailGP Team helmed by Diego Botin ahead of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, Switzerland SailGP Team and Red Bull Italy SailGP Team start racing in front of the city skyline on Race Day 1 of The Rolex SailGP 2025 Championship ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP / Photosport
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CEO Nick Hill said SailGP was a highlight of Auckland's summer and he hoped to see it become a regular fixture.
"Our sailing heritage is beyond compare. The site is absolutely stunning. Aucklanders get right behind it, New Zealanders get right behind it and we saw that last time, some of the images from here that have continued to circulate, so stunning and the site is particularly special."
The pre-sale window for tickets runs from Friday 12 September to Monday 15 September.
Tickets will then be released to the general public on Wednesday 17 September.
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