Racing has been cancelled on the opening day of the SailGP series in Christchurch's Lyttelton Harbour after "prolonged mammal activity" on the racecourse.
Marine mammal sightings lasted the duration of the race window.
SailGP's website read: "SailGP is committed to minimizing risk to the marine environment and has comprehensive protocols developed in conjunction with local authorities and experts to avoid contact with wildlife."
A day after SailGP chief Sir Russell warned the harbour would not host the series again, marine mammals moved in to prove his point. (Source: 1News)
The Associated Press reported there were dolphins near the start line of the course throughout the period in which racing was due to take place.
The 10 competing teams waited on the course for around 90 minutes before organisers determined there was not enough time left in the day for even one race to be completed.
A statement from the event organisers said: "As racing was due to start at 3pm local time, confirmation was received of a dolphin sighting on the racecourse.
"In line with SailGP protocol, racing was delayed to allow the dolphin to pass through safely but unfortunately it did not move outside the race course area, meaning that racing could not take place."
SailGP Managing Director Andrew Thompson said it was a really challenging day today and disappointing for the capacity crowd.
"We have a marine mammal plan and that plan was in place and unfortunately it meant we couldn't sail today.
“The athletes were ready to go, the conditions were epic and we were looking forward to some really fast racing.
Sunday’s racing was expected to go ahead as scheduled — sea creatures permitting.
"The conditions are looking really top end for tomorrow," Thompson said. "Hopefully the F50s will be out there, ripping around and we can send the fans home super happy.”
Sail legend Peter Burling: 'It's pretty disappointing'
Black Foils driver Peter Burling said: “It's pretty disappointing not to get racing today, not just for us, but for our fans, who came down to cheer us on. The support from the stands was incredible and a big thank you from all of us.
"We hope we will be back on the water and put on an amazing show tomorrow.”
Ticket holders from today have received confirmation via email they would get a refund for the cancelled Saturday event.
In terms of racing, SailGP hoped to have a "Super Sunday" consisting of three fleet races and then a winner takes all final.
Saturday's called-off races were to be the ninth event of the season.
The day was already off to a bad start for the Great Britain team, which was docked eight event points and four season points after a "practice racing incident with Spain".
1News exclusively reported on Friday that SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts had declared Christchurch was unlikely to host the New Zealand leg again.
Among his concerns were a lack of flexibility and pressure from minority groups.
There had been fears about collisions with endangered Hector’s dolphins, including from the Department of Conservation.
An independent decision-maker was in place with the ability to halt racing if dolphins got too close.
It was revealed at last year’s final race, two dolphins crossed the boundary into the race zone as vessels approached the final marker.
On that occasion, the race director didn’t stop proceedings.
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