NZ SailGP Team reveal change to operation

By Christopher Reive

When the New Zealand SailGP Team take to Lyttelton Harbour this month, they will do so with a new identity.

Before the global foiling league’s return to Christchurch, the Kiwi team have revealed a change to their operation. As of this month’s event, held in Lyttelton on March 23-24, the team will be sailing under the moniker of the Black Foils — a nod to the wider sporting landscape of the country.

“Black Foils embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our team,” wing trimmer and co-chief executive Blair Tuke said.

“New Zealand sport has a long-standing affinity with the colour black, it symbolises strength, courage, passion and resilience — values that are all integral to our team and what we stand for.”

Driver and fellow co-chief executive Peter Burling added: “The Black Foils represent the spirit of New Zealand. We’re a nation of pioneers, achievers, and ocean lovers. The foils are what allow us to fly above the water at speeds of up to 100km/h — they represent innovation and progression in our sport.”

The Kiwis will debut their new identity on home waters as they look to continue their change in what has been an eventful, but fruitful, season so far.

Despite being unable to sail in an event and a half due to a damaged boat sustained after the first day of racing at the event in France, the Kiwis have done well to make up for lost time.

With three event wins across the eight stops already contested this season, the New Zealand crew sit second on the leaderboard with 58 points, trailing Australia by eight.

The teams have five more events on the calendar in which they will jostle for position on the season leaderboard in their bid to contest the season finale — a one-off three-team race held in place of the usual podium race following the San Francisco regatta where the winner is crowned season champion and takes home US$2 million ($3.2m) — the grand final prizemoney this year having doubled that of the league’s first three seasons.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission