Black Foils SailGP Team Hopes Hong Kong Launches Historic, Redemptive 2027 Season
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
New Zealand's Black Foils SailGP team are positioning Hong Kong as the launchpad for a historic and redemptive 2027 campaign, more than a year after suffering what team co-CEO Blair Tuke called "the biggest crash in SailGP history." The Auckland-based squad, which boasts Olympic gold medalists and America's Cup winners Blair Tuke and Pete Burling among its crew, has yet to claim a SailGP championship title despite its star-studded roster. A catastrophic collision with the French team during their home event destroyed their catamaran and left grinder Louis Sinclair nursing two broken legs, effectively ending their 2026 title hopes before they could compete in four subsequent events while a replacement vessel was constructed. The rebuilt boat, christened Manawatiti—a Maori proverb describing someone blessed with great endurance or resilience—returned to action in Canada four months ago, and Tuke has already shifted focus to making Hong Kong the launchpad for their long-awaited championship push.
Key Points
- Black Foils SailGP team suffered catastrophic collision with French boat in Auckland, destroying their catamaran and breaking grinder Louis Sinclair's two legs
- Olympic gold medalists Blair Tuke and Pete Burling serve as crew mainstays and co-CEOs of the Kiwi team still seeking their first SailGP title
- The rebuilt vessel has been christened "Manawatiti," a Maori proverb symbolizing endurance and resilience after the team missed four events
- SailGP season spans 10½ months with 13 race weekends, featuring identical F50 catamarans racing at hair-raising speeds with six-strong crews
- Hong Kong debut is scheduled for January off Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, with up to 14 F50 catamarans participating in the season opener
- Two events of the 2026 season remain, but Tuke acknowledges the team is already focused on pre-season preparations for 2027
Why It Matters
Hong Kong's debut as a SailGP venue marks a significant expansion for the global sailing championship, bringing high-speed F50 catamaran racing to one of the world's most iconic harbours. For the Black Foils, the Kai Tak event represents more than a race—it offers the opportunity to turn the page on their most difficult chapter and finally deliver a championship title that has eluded sailing's most decorated pair since joining the league .
Hong Kong's debut as a SailGP venue marks a significant expansion for the global sailing championship, bringing high-speed F50 catamaran racing to one of the world's most iconic harbours. For the Black Foils, the Kai Tak event represents more than a race—it offers the opportunity to turn the page on their most difficult chapter and finally deliver a championship title that has eluded sailing's most decorated pair since joining the league .