The New Zealand SailGP team, the Black Foils, is currently navigating a season defined by both technical recovery and environmental activism. Following a significant crash in Auckland this past February, the team was forced to miss four races while their vessel underwent a near-total rebuild. Co-chief executive Blair Tuke noted that while the team’s recent performance at the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth resulted in a fifth-place finish, the team is focused on improving their competitive standing.

Beyond their performance on the water, the Black Foils have utilized their platform to engage in environmental advocacy. During their time in the UK, which coincided with National Marine Week, the team participated in initiatives aimed at highlighting the impact of destructive marine trawling. The team’s involvement in these conservation efforts serves as a secondary focus alongside their professional sailing commitments. While the team acknowledges that their racing results have not yet reached perfection, they remain committed to both their sport and their off-water environmental objectives.