Australia sets the pace in Auckland
Triple SailGP champions Australia have long been considered one of the most formidable teams in the fleet, but last season was a mixed bag by their own high standards. The team secured just one event win across nine finals and struggled in light-wind conditions, finishing fifth in the season opener in Dubai. However, when racing moved to Auckland, where a choppy sea state and strong winds provided a serious test for all crews, Slingsby and his team stepped up.
Adding to the challenge was the fleet-wide introduction of the new high-speed T-Foils—an upgrade designed to enhance the performance, control, and safety of the F50 catamarans. While some teams struggled to adjust, Australia adapted rapidly. Slingsby recalls that from the very first training session, his crew felt comfortable with the changes.
“We were looking forward to the new challenge of mastering something we hadn’t faced before in SailGP,” says Slingsby. “In training, we felt strong—any time we were near another boat, we felt like we were going quickly.”
This confidence translated into results, with Australia winning all six practice races. Their rapid adaptation caught the attention of rival teams, who scoured SailGP’s shared data to uncover the Australians’ secrets.
The challenges of the T-Foils
For the less experienced teams, racing with T-Foils in Auckland was a steep learning curve. Unlike the previous L-Foils, the new design features two horizontal sections—one curving inwards and the other extending outwards. This increases the risk of foil collisions when boats engage in tight battles, forcing skippers to rethink their tactical approach.
“You’ve got to be really careful,” Slingsby admits. “Your first instinct is to get close and engage, but with these foils, I’m a little more reluctant.”
While the fleet avoided any direct contact, Auckland was packed with close calls, dramatic nosedives, and near capsizes. Slingsby attributes the frequent nosedives to the foils’ sensitivity, explaining that they provide little warning before a sudden drop.
“The old foils gave you a bit more warning—if you got too high, you had time to react. With the T-Foils, if you get a little too high, they just fly down—it happens very quickly.”
One of the most dramatic moments came when Canada’s flight controller, Billy Gooderham, was injured in a nosedive ahead of racing on day two. With no clear substitute, the team was forced to sit out the races—an agonising decision but one Slingsby believes was correct.
“It would have been a hospital pass to throw someone in with no time to prepare. They made the right call.”
Rising teams and standout performances
While Australia stole the show in Auckland, Slingsby was impressed by Red Bull Italy’s performance. Despite being a new team in the league, they secured three podium finishes in fleet racing and finished sixth overall. The Italians were further challenged by the loss of their flight controller, Andrea Tesei, who was injured in training, but they adapted well with French sailor Jason Saunders stepping in.
“For it to be just their second event and to be up there fighting for podiums was really impressive, especially in those conditions,” Slingsby says.
With strong performances also coming from Spain, Emirates GBR, and New Zealand, the season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. As Sydney beckons, Slingsby expects a fierce contest.
Sydney: A favourite hunting ground for the Aussies
Australia’s record on Sydney Harbour is formidable. Of the five events held there, Slingsby’s team has won three, with Emirates GBR and France taking the other two. Last year’s event was a turning point for the Australians, breaking a winless streak that had hung over the team for months.
“We’ve got a great racing record in Sydney and generally sail really well here. The team is gelling, we’re full of confidence, and it’s showing on the water.”
Despite this confidence, Slingsby remains wary of the competition. He singles out New Zealand, Emirates GBR, Spain, and Denmark as the biggest threats but also expects a resurgence from France.
“The French are an amazing team—they’re always there challenging, and they can definitely come out and win events. The starting line is getting more crowded, and it’s something we’ll need to adapt to.”
With Sydney’s signature breezy conditions expected to provide another thrilling spectacle, the stage is set for one of the most exciting events of the season. Can the Flying Roos deliver in front of their home crowd once again? We’ll soon find out.
With additional content by Miranda Blazeby / BNZ
In the New Zealand regatta our Kiwi boat had 7 starts, 6 of which were really bad. The crowd expected much better in home waters. The one good start resulted in a decisive win. Doesn’t say much for Burling or our tactician.