Auckland, March 22 -- Up to 22,000 people are expected to descend on Whakaraupo Lyttleton Harbour from 23-24 March to watch the highly anticipated ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix.

Minister for Economic Development, Melissa Lee says it's excellent to see the event return for the second year in a row.

"The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix is a world-class event that allows spectators to get up close and personal with some of the best sailing action right here in our own backyard. It's clearly popular with the athletes too, who voted Christchurch the best venue on last year's global series," says Lee.

"The event provides wonderful opportunities off the water too, such as boosting tourism nationally and regionally, significant global exposu...