New Zealand's Black Foils Poised for SailGP Season Finale in Abu Dhabi

New Zealand’s Black Foils are heading into the final round of the SailGP 2025 season in Abu Dhabi with cautious optimism. Skipper Peter Burling expressed satisfaction with the team’s current form after a campaign marked by two event victories and consistent performances throughout the fleet races.

“We’re really excited; it’s been an interesting season for us,” Burling remarked. “We’ve experienced some ups and downs, but overall, we feel well-positioned going into the final.”

The upcoming Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix is known for its challenging conditions, featuring light winds and technically demanding waters. Adding a layer of unpredictability, this season’s Grand Final will introduce SailGP’s new 27.5-meter wing sail for the first time.

“I’m eager to see how the boats perform with the new configuration,” Burling said. “It’s going to be a test of which teams can adapt most quickly and master the changes.”

Unlike other teams that are anticipating significant lineup changes due to the new Athlete Transfer regulations, New Zealand has prioritized team continuity and the integration of youthful talent. The inclusion of young sailor Leo Takahashi this season has been a positive development, and Burling confirmed the team’s intention to maintain its current roster.

SailGP is an international sailing league featuring national teams competing on identical F50 foiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds over 50 knots. The competition combines advanced technology, data analytics, and skilled seamanship in a high-stakes racing format supported by Oracle founder Larry Ellison.

The 2025 SailGP season finale will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 29-30. Currently, Great Britain leads the standings with 85 points, closely followed by New Zealand’s Black Foils at 82 points and Australia’s Flying Roos at 80 points, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.