Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
SailGP logo
HomeSailGPRunup to AucklandBlair Tuke talks one-on-one to us about SailGP in the City of Sails

Blair Tuke talks one-on-one to us about SailGP in the City of Sails

The New Zealand SailGP team, now known as the Black Foils, is poised to captivate fans on the Waitematā Harbour this weekend. With a rebrand aimed at aligning with iconic Kiwi teams like the All Blacks and Black Ferns, the Black Foils are not only redefining their identity but also revolutionising high-speed sailing with cutting-edge technology.

Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

“To have something that represents us as Kiwis, the colour black, and foiling – which is totally changing the sport – is really important,” explained Blair Tuke, the team’s wing trimmer.” – Blair Tuke

A New Era of Innovation

Blair Tuke at SailGP Auckland 2025. Photo credit: BNZ

This season marks the debut of T-foils, replacing the legacy L-foils, a technological leap forward. According to Tuke, the T-foils enhance straight-line speed and provide greater stability at high velocities.

“It’s super exciting for the whole league to have this new component,” Tuke shared. “They’re faster, more stable, and give us a different level of control, especially at high speeds.”

However, mastering these foils comes with its challenges, particularly during manoeuvres, where timing and precision remain critical. The team has been fine-tuning their approach, leveraging recent practice sessions to optimise performance.

SailGP New T-Foils Being Constructed for Use on F50 Catamarans. Image credit _ SailGP
SailGP New T-Foils Being Constructed for Use on F50 Catamarans. Image credit _ SailGP

Hometown Pressure and Excitement

Racing on home waters adds a layer of intensity for the Black Foils. The course, stretching from Wynyard Quarter to the Harbour Bridge, offers spectators a front-row seat to the action, a stark contrast to races held far offshore.

“The proximity to shore is unlike anything people have seen before with these boats,” Tuke said. “The grandstand at Wynyard will give fans an incredible view – almost like being on the boat.”

The buzz around Auckland is palpable. Local cafes and waterfront businesses are thriving, and the excitement is building as the event draws near. Despite the pressure of racing at home, Tuke views it as a privilege.

SailGP was in Christchurch for the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix

“It’s a privilege to race in front of our home fans. The support here is incredible, and we’re stoked to showcase this style of racing to New Zealand.”

Bridging the Gap Between Sport and Culture

The name change to Black Foils reflects a broader ambition: making sailing more accessible to Kiwis. Historically perceived as an elite sport, SailGP has worked to resonate with a wider audience. Tuke acknowledges the impact of this rebrand on public perception.

“Since the name change, we’ve seen more people connecting with us. It’s simple but represents who we are as a team and as Kiwis.”

- Advertisement -

A Weekend to Remember

With winds forecasted to be strong and steady, the Black Foils are set to demonstrate their prowess on their home turf. Following a victory in Dubai, the team is determined to build on their momentum.

“It’s early days for us as a unit,” Tuke noted. “But the confidence from Dubai and the additional training days here have set a strong foundation.”

This weekend promises a spectacle that will elevate sailing in New Zealand to new heights. For those lucky enough to secure grandstand seats, it’s a chance to witness high-speed foiling action up close.

SailGP track in Auckland’s Waitematā

SHARE:

Related Articles

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Chris Woodhams
Chris Woodhams
Adventurer. Explorer. Sailor.

More from Boating New Zealand

The final frontier: Vendée Glo...

As the leading skippers cross the finish line, the real test of endurance c...
Race Day ReportsVendee Globe - Round The World Yacht Race

Timber, tradition, and time-ho...

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is one of the largest maritime celebrat...
Boating Festivals & Events

Reel real adventures exploring...

A story of passion, innovation, and adventure on New Zealand’s untamed coas...
News

Operation Resolution: Salvage ...

After 17 days of intensive work, salvors have reached a critical milestone ...
Incidents at Sea

The End of an Era: Royal Carib...

A beloved icon of the cruising world, Song of America has met its final cha...
Boating history

Missing jetskier in Cook Strai...

A jetski without its driver was discovered at Cook Rock, off the top of New...
Coastguard News

Follow Us

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest developments shaping New Zealand's Boating world.

Social Media

Follow us on social media to stay in the loop with the latest trends and news shaping New Zealand's boating scene!

NZ Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

Catch all the action of the Vendée Globe Race, starting 10 Nov, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand.

FISHING

White Pointer Boats 30th Anniversary Fishing Comp, 5 - 8 Feb 2025 in Waihau Bay

Makaira Trailer Boat Competition, 25 & 26 Jan 2025 in Whangaroa

Stabicraft Fish N Chicks Tournament, 6 - 8 Feb 2025 in Tauranga. Dress up theme is “Ladies of their Time”. Raising funds to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.

Surtees Annual Fishing Competition, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

Hook Me Up Fishing Competition - Matakana vs Hillside, 7 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

The Kubota Billfish Classic, 12 - 15 Mar 2025 in Mercury Bay, Whitianga

ITM Fishing Competition, 13 - 16 Mar 2025 in Whangaroa

NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition), 3 & 4 Oct 2025, New Zealand wide

Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, 25 - 27 Oct 2025 TBC in Te Anau Manapouri

REGATTAS

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2024 starts in Sydney, Australia

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 in Auckland

Bay of Islands Sailing Week, 21 - 24 Jan 2025 at Bay of Islands

NZ Millenium Cup, 1 - 4 Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

PIC Harbour Classic, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

NZ Match Racing Championships, 2025 dates tbc in Auckland

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Karapiro, 7 - 9 Feb 2025 at Karapiro

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R2, 1 Dec 2024 at Featherston

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R3, 27 Dec 2024 at Wanganui

UIM World Jetsprint Championships, 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon, 2025 dates TBC on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

National Jet Boat Rally 2024, 2025 date TBC at Oliver Road, Bendigo (near Cromwell)

WATERSPORTS

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge, 2025 dates tbc Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

NON-MOTORISED SPORT

Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships, 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

Waka Ama - 2025 Secondary School Nationals, 24 - 28 Mar 2025 at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

ANTIQUE, CLASSIC & RETRO BOATS

25th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show , 1 & 2 Mar 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

SHOWS

Moana Auckland - New Zealand's Ocean Festival, 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15-18 May 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

NZ Boat, Fish and Dive Show, 30 & 31 Aug 2025 to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waipa

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

International Boat Shows

COMING EVENTS

Boot Düsseldorf 18 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany

New York Boat Show, 22 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held at the Javits Center, New York

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at Nassau, Bahamas

Houston Boat Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at the NRG Center, Houston, Texas

Dubai International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Feb 2025 to be held at the Dubai Harbour

Miami International Boat Show, 12 - 16 Feb 2025 to be held in Miami

Palm Beach International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Mar 2025 to be held along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach

International Multihull Show, 23 - 27 Apr 2025 to be held in Terre-plein Ouest du port La Grande-Motte (34), France

Palma International Boat Show, 30 Apr - 3 May 2025 to be held at the Superyacht Village, Palma, Spain

Barcaly's Jersey Boat Show, 3 - 5 May 2025 to be held in the Channel Islands

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 9 - 11 May 2025 to be held in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The British Motor Yacht Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 to be held at the Swanwick Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Sanctuary Cove International Boat show, 22 - 25 May 2025 to be held in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland

Sydney International Boat show, 31 July - 3 Aug 2025 to be held at ICC Sydney & Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Hiswa Te Water, 3 - 7 Nov 2025 to be held in Bataviahaven Lelystad, The Netherlands

Southampton International Boat Show, 19 - 28 Sep 2025 to be held in Southampton, UK

International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), 7 - 9 Oct 2025 to be held in Tampa, Florida

Annapolis Sail Boat Show, 9 - 13 Oct 2025 to be held at City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland

Newport International Boat Show, 20 - 23 Nov 2025 to be held in Newport, Rhode Island

Cannes Yachting Festival, 9 - 14 Sep 2025 at Cannes – Vieux Port & Port Canto

Genoa Boat Show, 18 - 23 Sep 2025 to be held in Genoa, Italy

Melbourne International Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held at New Quay Promenade Harbour Esplanade Seven Marinas

Biograd Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held in the City of Biograd, Croatia

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 29 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 to be held at several locations in Fort Lauderdale

METSTRADE 18 - 20 Nov 2025 to be held at the Rai, Amsterdam

Antigua Charter Yacht Show 4 - 9 Dec 2025 to be held at the Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua

Monaco Yacht Show, 24 - 27 Sep 2025 on Monacco