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  1. #1
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    happynz's Avatar
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    They did it on porpoise

    Dolphins 1 - 0 Stupid Sail GP

    SailGP: Dolphins force Christchurch racing to be cancelled

    f the SailGP event in Christchurch wasn't already in its death throes, it may have edged closer to being terminated as frustrated chief executive Russell Coutts watched the unthinkable unfold at Lyttelton Harbour on Saturday.

    With Coutts stating before the weekend that Christchurch was unlikely to host the event again because a few "minority groups'' had made "life difficult for us'', citing an inability to agree on dates in February next year, it was difficult not to dwell on the uncertain future of the event when Hector's dolphins threw the event into turmoil before the first of the three scheduled races.

    After a delay of about 75 minutes, the day's racing was cancelled.

    Concerns about collisions with Hector's dolphins were raised prior to the event, which will also be held on Sunday, resulting in an independent decision maker being appointed to halt races after two dolphins were sighted in the race zone during the final race last year.

    And, as if to prove a point, the mammals appeared close to the start line prior to the first race. They never left.

    The party atmosphere at the venue slowly began to lose its fizz, replaced by a sense of helplessness as all eyes were locked on the water in the hope the dolphins to steer clear of the race zone; crews could do nothing but stare at the horizon, musician Dave Dobbyn briefly warmed-up his pipes and bashed out a few tunes, and one couldn't even begin to guess what Coutts was muttering as he stared at the boats bobbing listlessly on the water.

    Whatever Coutts was saying, it may not have been much different from his statements when he said to TV1: "Unfortunately we won’t be here [in Christchurch] next year, and possibly not ever, because we need those February dates to fit in with the international calendar."

    Ticket holders wandered through the gates in the knowledge that while they had been about to witness the beginning of the end (after learning of Coutts' remarks), they would at least be treated to fast, entertaining races. How wrong they were.

    There was little option but to play the waiting game and add another layer of clothing to stay warm as the minutes ticked by.

    Billed as the world's largest ticketed sailing event, with 22,000 people to attend over two days, it would be a blow to Christchurch if it was to be rubbed off the SailGP calendar. The crews, too, love racing on a course that allows them to be so close to the spectators, and can hear them cheering as they complete their races.


    Stuff
    pues, estamos aqui

  2. #2
    Excommunicated baldrick's Avatar
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    sailgp is fast


  3. #3
    5 4 Knoll
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    The best, the best grinder and sailing 3 sheets to the wind, nothing I like more and hope to do more in Spring.

    I respect dolphins and am not sure if they would be injured, what about krill will bathing hurt their feeling, should we stop cycling lest we hit an insect, worm, this Jain ahimsa would certainly alter the planet, no more planes lest kill birds, no more meat honey i new vegan paradise.
    Quote Originally Posted by Latindancer View Post
    I just want the chance to use a bigger porridge bowl.

  4. #4
    I Amn't In Jail PlanK's Avatar
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    ^
    Because...

    Quote Originally Posted by happynz View Post
    Hector's dolphins
    are...

    the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world. Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins only live in New Zealand’s shallow coastal waters. They are both at risk of becoming extinct.

  5. #5
    5 4 Knoll
    david44's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PlanK View Post
    ^
    Because...



    are...
    Thankss for educating , withouy Hectoring, surely there must be enough coast in the land of the long white men to sail somewhere there are no endangered species or is t all about money and elling tickets, I've watched teh Cowes and other regattas but cannot recall people onsshore being charged bar Henley which iss a his so pissss up on the River Thamess for Hurray Henrys etc.

    Would N Island not be posible? I found thiss info

    Where are Hector's dolphins found?

    Hector's dolphins are one of the world's smallest dolphins. They are mostly found around the coast of New Zealand's South Island. Population: About 15,000 individuals older than 1 year. Conservation status: Nationally vulnerable.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat DrWilly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by david44 View Post
    Thankss for educating , withouy Hectoring, surely there must be enough coast in the land of the long white men to sail somewhere there are no endangered species or is t all about money and elling tickets,
    And lo and behold, the answer is in the article.

    Quote Originally Posted by happynz View Post
    it would be a blow to Christchurch if it was to be rubbed off the SailGP calendar. The crews, too, love racing on a course that allows them to be so close to the spectators, and can hear them cheering as they complete their races.

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