The international spotlight is on Lyttelton as competitors prepare for SailGP this weekend.

Tickets have sold out for the New Zealand leg of the highly anticipated series, with thousands expected to descend on the port town.

US skipper Jimmy Spithill told Mike Hosking that thanks to international TV audiences the competition has exceeded targets so far.

He says that so far the streaming of the races on CBS in the United States has surpassed multiple major sporting events - including Formula 1.

The Australian adds that it's a sign of the event's broader appeal, and an important milestone for the growing sport.

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