SailGP event: keeping everyone safe on the water
During SailGP, the only role of our Harbourmaster’s Office is to provide oversight of navigation safety. We were not responsible for marine mammal management.
The Marine Mammal Management Plan (MMMP) for the SailGP event was created by the organisers, in collaboration with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, the Department of Conservation and ChristchurchNZ.
Our Harbourmaster’s Office had neither any role in developing the MMMP, nor any responsibility for implementing or enforcing this plan or monitoring the racecourse for Upokohue/Hector’s dolphins.
Any decisions to stop racing due to the presence of dolphins were made by an independent decision maker, appointed by SailGP.
Our role in the event
The team in the Harbourmaster’s Office have worked with SailGP organisers to prepare for the event over the last few months after it was shifted from Auckland late last year.
They have responded to requests, including late racing schedule changes, and helped support this exciting event in Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour.
At all times the Harbourmaster’s decisions around SailGP have been based on the need to keep both competitors and spectators safe on the water and minimise navigation safety risks.
“We did our best to accommodate a request on Saturday evening to start additional and unplanned racing earlier on Sunday, after the SailGP organisers had to cancel Saturday’s racing.
“After conducting a risk assessment and in conjunction with the Maritime Police, it was concluded that the safety controls required for the F50s couldn’t be implemented effectively enough to guarantee public safety.
However, we did suggest to bring the racing forward to 1.30pm, as this would give time to organise and brief all support staff and vessels tasked to look after the safety of spectators, competitors as well as the 100+ recreational boats that were out on the harbour from as early as 10.30am,” says Harbourmaster Guy Harris.
Read the Department of Conservation’s statement regarding the SailGP in Lyttelton Harbour.