It’s one of the most exciting sports to make a home in Aotearoa, and now it’s back in its second year on Kiwi shores! SailGP is live action racing as you’ve never experienced it before – SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water. The global championship features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe. The high-tech, high-speed action features sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h. Following its sold-out debut in Ōtautahi Christchurch in Season 3, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will return to the spectacular Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour on 23-24 March 2024. We had a yarn with the New Zealand team strategist Liv Mackay about her career, love of sailing and why it’s a massive year for women’s sailing.
Kia ora Liv, how have things been?
Really good! It’s an exciting time to be a part of the SailGP league, which has grown massively over the last few years. We’re really feeling the momentum, both within the league and our team. I’m loving everything about the experience of being in the Black Foils (our new team identity) – the racing, the travelling around the world, and the fan engagement.
How was the first Kiwi SailGP last year?
It was incredible, to be honest, we couldn’t have asked for better conditions. I felt super proud to bring such an incredible event to the league, proud to be from Aoteaora and to showcase a part of New Zealand that might not ordinarily get that level of exposure. The event was awesome, it was by far my favourite event out of the whole calendar. There’s nothing like racing in front of home crowds – the NZ fans were insane! Being able to perform in front of friends, family and Kiwis was a very special moment.
There have been some fantastic developments in the women’s pathway within the sport, can you speak to how these have helped not just you, but your fellow female sailors?
We’re really starting to see the positive effects of the Women’s Pathway in a wider sense in our sport. SailGP have done an amazing job of giving women experience at the top level, and it’s definitely had a positive impact beyond the league. Having the Inspire programme has also been fantastic as bringing younger females into the sport.
Are there still some challenges?
Yeah, I think you naturally want things to happen quicker… but reflecting on the progress that’s been made over the past couple of years, it’s massive. There’s still a huge way to go to get more women into more roles in SailGP, and females into the sport without the need for a pathway, but the league are doing an amazing job of trying to change the imbalance.
How has your role changed within the team?
It’s evolved a lot – my responsibility has grown significantly since joining the team, particularly as technology has developed. That’s been really exciting to be a part of that process. My role off the water has also evolved, integrating more females into the sport.
What is it about sailing that you love so much?
The feeling of being on the water, in the elements, consumed by the simple pleasure of sailing. I love that it’s connected to nature, I love the complexity of the sport. There are two sides to my passion – the competing and being on the water.
When you’re not on the water or on a boat, what do you get up to (travel seems like a passion!)
I love travel, I love experiencing different local cultures. I also love trail running, and am learning to surf with my family. I treasure going home to Hawke’s Bay and spending time with friends and family. I’m also doing a lot with Live Ocean Foundation, which has been an amazing journey.
What does the future hold for you within the sport, and out of it?
I don’t necessarily have an end goal in mind, opportunities are opening up, so it’s an exciting time for me. I’m feeling inspired to be the best sailor that I can be. I’m looking forward to the year ahead as SailGP ramps up for the rest of the season. It’s an exciting time for us as a team – and it’s a big year for women’s sailing!
TICKETING: The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix is set to be the world’s largest-ever ticketed sailing event with more than 22,000 attendees across the weekend. Extremely limited tickets are still available, and audiences can catch the action on Three and ThreeNow. The event will also offer phenomenal off-water action, including mouthwatering food and beverage options, sourced and delivered by local farmers, growers and vineyards, plus increased capacity across stadium style seating. The NZ SailGP Team has proudly introduced a new identity – Black Foils. Inspired by Aotearoa’s sporting excellence, the name signifies a new bold new chapter for the team ahead of its long-awaited home event.
