SailGP has diverted the Black Foils' back-up yacht for on-the-water trials in Otago Harbour today, after rogue dolphins scuppered the prestigious yachting series in Lyttelton Harbour recently.
Thousands of spectators were dismayed on the first day of the Christchurch leg of the international series, when marine mammals loitering in Lyttelton Harbour, where they live, forced SailGP to cancel racing.
It led to Sir Russell Coutts questioning the viability of holding another event in New Zealand.
SailGP has sent the Black Foils' back-up yacht to conduct trials in Otago Harbour today, before committing to holding the New Zealand leg of the series in Dunedin next year.
Sir Russell, a life member of the Ravensbourne Yacht Club, has maintained close connections with the club through training and sponsorship.
It would be fitting for this premier race event to be based from his former clubrooms.
A city councillor said they were moved by the sad plight of internationally successful millionaire sailor Sir Russell, who honed his skills in the harbour off Ravensbourne.
"You may only see a dolphin occasionally, but without our support you will never have a chance to see these magnificent foiling sea craft on our harbour," the councillor said.
Flush with potential cash from the impending sale of the Aurora lines company, the council plans to fast track spending of $15 million on wider dredging of the harbour and the installation of sonar laser beams, off Taiaroa Head, to dissuade dolphins, sea lions and penguins from entering the racing area.
Otago Peninsula Protection League chairwoman Anita Hanke was distraught at the proposal. She said the event would disrupt the lifestyle routines of Otago’s famed and threatened species, and had the potential to drive these animals away from their natural mating and nesting sites.
The league would find a way to foil SailGP’s plans, she said.
"This could destroy our reputation as the wildlife capital of New Zealand.
"What are they thinking?"
A council spokesperson said in the event racing was interrupted by wildlife, Lake Waihola could be used as a backup venue.
The Black Foils' SailGP catamaran is set to trial the course at 10am today. The public are asked to park sensibly, with the best viewing spots along State Highway 88, at Ravensbourne.
A council spokesman said once the public had seen the catamaran in action, they could make submissions on whether the event should be held in Dunedin or not.
Submissions close at noon today.
