The Black Foils, New Zealand’s cutting-edge SailGP team, has confirmed that Takahashi will play a pivotal role as flight controller, bringing with him impressive international experience and energy. Takahashi’s recent career path includes stints with both the Japan and USA SailGP teams, as well as representing Japan in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Now, he’s set to navigate the skies above New Zealand’s waters, with his debut for the Black Foils happening in Dubai this November and a highly anticipated home race at Auckland’s ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in January.
“I was a bit shocked, actually,” Takahashi said on joining the Black Foils, “And now I’m just elated. It’s a real honour. I’m excited about what we’ll be able to achieve as a team over the next few seasons.”
From Grinder to Flight Controller: An Impressive Rise
Takahashi’s journey began on Auckland’s North Shore, where he learned to sail at the age of eight at Murrays Bay. He quickly took to competitive sailing, racing in three Optimist World Championships. His teenage years saw him join the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s elite youth training program, where he went on to claim national and international youth match racing championships. His ascent continued as he joined Live Ocean Racing in Europe’s ETF26 series alongside current Black Foils teammate Liv Mackay and, most recently, represented Emirates Team New Zealand in the Youth America’s Cup.
His role as a flight controller—a highly technical position responsible for keeping the boat flying smoothly on its foils—saw Takahashi refine his skills in SailGP’s demanding environment. First with Japan’s team, where he took on dual roles as grinder and flight controller, and later with the USA team, Takahashi has shown a remarkable adaptability and command of the F50 catamaran’s complex foil systems.
For Takahashi, sailing alongside Black Foils co-CEOs and Olympian champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke is a dream come true: “It’s every kid’s dream to sail with their heroes. It’s been really cool how they’ve taken me in and been so supportive.”
Blair Tuke, also the team’s wing trimmer, spoke to Takahashi’s arrival with enthusiasm: “It’s been a pleasure to watch him grow as an athlete, and it’s fantastic to have such a young talent join our team as we continue to push the Black Foils to the next level.”
A Passion for Speed and Innovation
For Takahashi, SailGP represents the cutting edge of modern sailing. “It’s changing the sport, and the format is really exciting to me,” he shared. “You can’t really look past the boats. They’re some of the fastest in the world, and it’s going to be even more thrilling with 12 boats on the line in Auckland this January!”
SailGP’s F50s can reach speeds over 50 knots, requiring immense skill and precision to maintain stability and optimise speed on the foils. The growing international roster and head-to-head competition make SailGP an unmissable event for fans and athletes alike. Takahashi’s enthusiasm for the technology and competition is palpable, setting high expectations for his debut season with the Black Foils.
Looking Ahead to the 2024-2025 Season
Takahashi’s move to the Black Foils follows the transfer of former flight controller Andy Maloney to the incoming Brazilian team ahead of SailGP’s 2025 season. This shake-up provides Takahashi with a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role within the team, adding his unique flair to the Black Foils’ campaign as they look to build on past seasons and bring home victories.
The season kicks off for the Black Foils in Dubai on November 23-24, where Takahashi will debut as flight controller. From there, the team will travel back to New Zealand for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland on January 18-19. This home race promises a thrilling showdown, with 12 teams now in the running, making this season’s Auckland leg one of the most competitive SailGP races yet.
Hashtags: #SailGP #BlackFoils #LeoTakahashi #SailingNewZealand #FlightController #PeterBurling #BlairTuke #ITMSailGP #Auckland
