#SailGPTeams: Black Foils New Zealand
- Romy Kraus
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Black Foils: Precision, Pedigree & Podiums
Led by sailing royalty Peter Burling (co-CEO and driver) and Blair Tuke (co-CEO), the Black Foils are blending elite pedigree with youthful innovation. Their season began with strong form in Dubai and Auckland, including a major win at the curtain-raiser—and they’re firmly in the title chase.
The Team
Co-CEOs & Drivers: Peter Burling and Blair Tuke—America’s Cup champions who helm and run the team.
Flight Controller: Leo Takahashi, replacing Andy Maloney ahead of Season 5—rising through NZ youth ranks.
Crew: A stable blend of seasoned pros adhering to Olympic-grade standards, with evolving roles to match T-foil tech upgrades.
Owners & Management
Operates under SailGP’s F50 League LLC model, with Burling/Tuke at the competitive and strategic helm. Their leadership continues to drive team ethos and performance. i
Partners
Live Ocean: Official charity partner, emphasizing ocean conservation at each regatta—especially on home waters.
Team Branding: “Black Foils” package—including Māori root amokura design—underscores cultural pride and environmental mission.
Key Facts
“Season opener domination”
New Zealand claimed victory at the 2024–25 Dubai Grand Prix, topping fleets and beating both Great Britain and USA in the final.
“T-Foils first test under fire”
At Auckland (January 18–19), NZ hit 97.2 km/h in training, showcasing crew adaptability; fleet leaders finished within a few points of NZ’s total.
“Home-field edge in Auckland”
Their first home-leg event debuted to raucous NZ crowds on Waitematā Harbour—nearly 25,000 spectators—with local dominance reinforced by fast starts. sailgp.com+1x.com+1
The Lowdown
Performance: Winning in Dubai and strong performances in Auckland put them top of the leaderboard through the initial events.
Identity: The NZ squad combines cultural authenticity (Māori design, Live Ocean partnership) with world-class execution under high-tech foiling innovations.
Growth Direction: With Burling/Tuke’s leadership, a stellar start, and speed tech prowess, they remain firm championship favorites. The Auckland home Grand Prix further cements their reputational strength.
Bottom Line: The Black Foils are setting the tone in 2025—marrying Kiwi sailing heritage, cutting-edge tech adoption, and championship zeal. With cultural depth and race-day domination, they’re built to win this season.
