No city is like this when it comes to sailing: Auckland has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. The America's Cup has been sailed here three times this millennium. It is home to the four-time Cup winners from Emirates Team New Zealand and, with the Black Foils, New Zealand's SailGP team.
Multiple records: second SailGP in Auckland
On 14 and 15 February, the SailGP will make its second guest appearance in Waitematā Harbour after its premiere in 2025. The organisers are expecting more than 20,000 paying visitors and A total of more than 30,000 fans on the banks and on the water. A new spectator record is therefore in sight. In front of this furious backdrop, 13 teams will battle for the Auckland crown and important points for the season championship at the second event of the new sixth SailGP season.
Following the latest wind forecasts, the chances have now increased that a speed record could be added to the SailGP spectator record. At least that's what SailGP chief meteorologist Chris Bedford thinks is possible, predicting extreme pressure conditions. The 13-boat fleet is expecting turbulent winds from a powerful low-pressure area to the east of New Zealand's North Island, which could challenge the field on Sunday with speeds of around 30 knots (55 km/h).
For the crews, this means working at the limits of the F50 spoilers and for the fans, it means a spectacle that will hopefully keep everyone safe and sound. "It's certainly going to be windy, so the fans should be prepared for that," said Bedford. "From a racing perspective, the conditions should make for a really exciting show."
Smooth water, pressure in the air: high speed ahead
Unlike in Perth, where the fleet had to contend with powerful waves from the sea on the race course, Waitematā Harbour will be relatively calm, so could serve up ideal conditions for reaching top speeds. However, Bedford also warned that Auckland has its own pitfalls due to its unique geography, which creates a wind funnel effect.
"One of the main differences from Perth is the swell," explained Bedford. "Because we're inside the harbour, we won't experience the deeper swell offshore that played such a big part there. It will still be choppy at times, but without that long swell rolling in from the coast. The downside is that the wind in Perth was strong but relatively constant. Here in Auckland we're expecting a lot more gusty wind."
Bedford also explained the consequences of this: "This means sudden increases and decreases in pressure, which are often more difficult for the crews to cope with. So you're really trading one type of difficulty for another. This kind of variability keeps the teams on their toes." Will the British (Team Emirates GBR) and Australians (Bonds Flying Roos), who are known as strong wind lovers, be able to play to their strengths under these circumstances?
Will Rockwool Racing's Sassnitz speed record fall?
As in Perth, it will be important to make the right tactical decisions in Auckland, to get round the course without making any serious mistakes and to finish the races. Bedford adds: "There is a real element of unpredictability in these conditions. One team could find themselves on the right side of a gust while another ends up on the wrong side. That can completely change the complexion of a race."
At the same time, the speed record that the Danish team Rockwool Racing set last season at the Sassnitz premiere with an impressive 103.94 km/h is back in the spotlight. Even though the teams always aim to win first and foremost at a SailGP, Bedford believes that "we could see a new record by the end of the weekend".
Bedford's argument: "These boats are constantly being developed to become faster. The sailors are getting better and better at pushing them to their limits. Records are there to be broken and the conditions could certainly make something special possible." The races on 14 and 15 February will show whether this is the case.
Who can use the Auckland SailGP for promotion?
All the teams are competing with ambitious goals. First and foremost Peter Burling's Black Foils. The Kiwi rocket was repaired in time after the momentous crash with the Swiss at the season opener in Perth. This means that the next opportunity to see 13 F50 Foils together on the start line for the first time in the SailGP is fast approaching. After the first event, the team, which was only in an unusual 13th and last place in the standings, would like to move up as quickly as possible. of the newly launched season championship catapult the Kiwis forwards again.
Team Germany also wants to move up after a bumpy start to the season. Looking back on his team's ninth place in Perth, Erik Kosegarten-Heil says that it was not down to the rebuilt crew with new wing trimmer Kevin Peponnet. "Kevin integrated really quickly and very well. There were a few other things that weren't quite ideal, but at the same time we put in a lot of work that will stand us in good stead this season." The new investors who have come on board the Germany SailGP team are also contributing to more opportunities for the sports team.
Sailing will take place in Auckland on Saturday and Sunday between 4 and 5.30 pm, i.e. between 4 and 5.30 am German time. ZDF will broadcast the race days with a time delay. The Auckland action can then always be found from midday onwards in the ZDF SailGP channelwhere you can also find previous programmes and documentaries. If you want to cheer along live in the early morning, you can watch the via wedotv do.
