5 Sep 2013

A2B ocean race postponed.

5:02 pm on 5 September 2013

A yacht race from Auckland to Bluff, dubbed as New Zealand's version of the Sydney to Hobart event, has been postponed.

The A2B Ocean Race was meant to start on Waitangi Day next year but the organisers say the yachties need more time to prepare.

The Government and the Invercargill City Council have pledged more than $500,000 to the event and A2B board chairman Peter Ross says it's not been decided what will happen to that money yet.

But a race spokesperson, Murray Francis, believes it will remain on the table. He says the postponement is not financially related.

About seven teams had indicated they were interested in the race but many had not put in an official registration.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says he's disappointed but philosophical about the delay.

A further announcement will be made in the New Year.