As the racing gets underway, Peter Burling and the New Zealand Black Foils will face fierce competition from the seasoned Aussie team, Season 3 champions Canada, and the return of France, who were absent from the opening event in Dubai. For the Kiwis, the opportunity to race on home turf presents a thrilling chance to showcase their skill in a familiar setting. However, the challenges of Auckland’s racecourse and the shifting weather conditions will test the fleet in new ways.
For Peter Burling and his team, Auckland offers more than just a home crowd; it’s a venue they know well. Burling points out that, unlike other locations in the SailGP circuit, the Black Foils have logged more hours on Auckland’s waters than anyone else. “We’ve done more sailing in the area than anyone else,” says Burling, referencing the upper reaches of Waitematā Harbour, where the racing will take place. While other teams may have spent time in Auckland, few will have the same intimate knowledge of the specific conditions in this part of the harbour.
However, Burling is quick to caution that local knowledge won’t guarantee an easy win. “Unless you’ve sailed at a venue in an F50, I don’t think you have a leg up on anyone else,” he admits. The tight confines of the racecourse, where every decision can be influenced by the actions of other boats, level the playing field significantly. Nonetheless, the Kiwis will benefit from their familiarity with the wind shifts and flat water (expected on Saturday but not on Sunday) that Auckland’s racecourse is likely to present.
Unlike Dubai, where calm, steady winds characterised the racing conditions, Auckland’s weather will present a very different challenge. The forecast calls for a mix of light to moderate variable winds, gusts, and rain. On both days, the wind is expected to build throughout the afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 23 knots by Sunday afternoon. With calmer seas, the conditions will be ideal for close-quarter racing, but the increased wind speed and potential for swells present an entirely new set of dynamics for the teams to navigate.
Any one who has ever sailed in Auckland’s Harbour will know that Auckland’s shiftier winds and more unpredictable weather patterns could mean a far more dynamic racecourse than Dubai, where the lack of wind often resulted in slower, more tactical racing. For fans and competitors alike, the possibility of seeing the boats truly “fly” through the water adds an extra layer of excitement to this leg of the competition.
Another exciting element this season is the introduction of the T-Foils, a new innovation set to revolutionise SailGP racing. These cutting-edge foils, already tested in San Francisco, have been credited with increasing the speed of the F50s to record-breaking levels. The Canada team, in particular, achieved an impressive 101.98 km/h during testing. These new foils are expected to significantly enhance the speed and agility of the fleet, adding an extra dimension of excitement to the races in Auckland. But team need to watch for the building swells; too much of a swell and the teams might find themselves off their foils than on them.
The fleet will feature 12 teams this year, with France returning to the racecourse after sitting out the season opener. Led by Quentin Delapierre, France is known for their skill in high-wind conditions and could prove to be a strong contender in Auckland. Other teams to watch include the reigning champions Australia, Spain, and the up-and-coming teams from Brazil and Italy, eager to make a name for themselves.
Despite the competition, Burling remains optimistic about New Zealand’s chances of defending the home title. And with 10,000 fans expected to be watching at the Viaduct, “Performing and winning at home is so special,” he says, “and I think everyone is going to be blown away by the support this event gets in Auckland.”
With new technology, dynamic weather conditions, and the best sailors in the world competing, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix promises to be an unforgettable event. Whether you’re watching from the stands, following along from home, or out on the water yourself, the weekend’s racing will surely deliver plenty of drama and excitement. The Kiwis may have the home advantage, but with fierce competition, a fresh fleet of T-Foils, and unpredictable weather, the race to claim the Auckland crown is wide open.
Fans are in for a treat—this is one event you won’t want to miss!
