Sail GP has left Auckland out in the cold, as land at Wynyard Point is no longer avaliable for the March event.
The international competition sees high performance catamarans battle it out on the water in a series of grand prix style events around the globe.
The land, where the spectator stand was planned to be placed, is still being cleared of old fuel tanks and is decontaminated.
Auckland council's event agency, Tātaki Unlimited says none of alternatives were acceptable to event founder Sir Russell Coutts.
Tātaki chief executive Nick Hill explains.
