Start spreading the news—SailGP in New York gave us everything we’ve come to expect from this global series: close calls, breathtaking foiling, a few head-scratching penalties, and one gutting bounce that cost New Zealand a shot at the top step of the podium.
For two days the fleet danced under grey skies and shifting breezes along the iconic Manhattan skyline. At times it was gritty and unpredictable; at others, genuinely world-class. And while New York, New York may be an anthem of ambition and opportunity, the Black Foils leave this one singing a different tune—one of what might have been.
The city, the course, the conditions
As a host city, New York still knows how to put on a show. The course was tight and unforgiving, as you’d expect along the Hudson, and the city’s energy never dropped. Spectators lined piers and rooftops, horns echoed off the high rises, and teams battled for clean air in water that rarely gave it.
Saturday’s conditions were tricky—light, wet and patchy. Sunday came with a boost in breeze and far more foiling, but it never stopped being technical. An underlying chop made the ride particularly challenging on the reaches, and more than one team paid the price.
Brazil’s breakthrough, Black Foil’s bounce back
Among the standout moments was Brazil’s historic win in Race 4—their first-ever SailGP victory, and a huge boost for Martine Grael’s team. France showed strength with a fleet win in Race 5. And while the USA and Great Britain continued to yo-yo in form, both had flashes of brilliance.
New Zealand, still stung by recent setbacks, came out of Saturday looking vulnerable. But Sunday morning told a different story. A fourth in Race 4, second in Race 5, and just enough in Race 6 to get the job done—those results secured the Black Foils a place in the final, alongside France and a fast-closing Spanish team.
The final that got away
Then came the final. And for a few glorious minutes, it looked like the Kiwis might steal it. Spain and New Zealand were bow to bow, duelling along the first three legs. It was sailing at its sharpest—technical, tense, and totally absorbing.
But at the bottom mark heading into Leg 5, New Zealand blinked. A bounce off the chop saw them come down hard and lose precious speed. Spain didn’t need a second invitation. They stretched the lead and never looked back, crossing the line to claim the New York title. The Black Foils, to their credit, held off France in a late sprint to retain second place.
Peter Burling said it best after coming ashore: “Didn’t seem like the 50-50s were going our way in the final. We made a tiny mistake and they capitalised. That’s racing.”
Verdict on New York
As a host, New York still holds immense appeal. It’s a true amphitheater venue—raw, urban and atmospheric. But it’s also a course that punishes even minor mistakes. The weather played a part, and some questioned whether Saturday’s borderline conditions should have seen more racing postponed.
Still, as an event, New York delivered. The racing was fast, the crowds were engaged, and the waterfront backdrop remains one of the most iconic in sailing.
Where to from here?
For the Black Foils, New York was bittersweet. They proved they can still mix it with the best, but they’ll know they let this one slip. The bounce at Gate 5 will live long in memory, but so will the team’s fight to get back into the final after a tough Day 1.
With just a few events left before the season decider, every point matters. The Kiwis will be disappointed not to take the win—but they’re still firmly in the championship race.
Next up, the league heads to the United Kingdom, where SailGP moves to Portsmouth on 19–20 July—its first visit back to British waters since 2022. The tight South Coast course promises more high-speed drama, and with home support behind the British team, the pressure will only intensify for those chasing the top of the leaderboard.
And next time, maybe—just maybe—the city that never sleeps will let the Black Foils wake up with the trophy.
