Just ahead of its home event in Christchurch, the New Zealand SailGP Team introduced its dynamic new identity: Black Foils, going on to win the event and finishing top of the table.
Inspired by New Zealand’s sporting excellence, the Black Foils signify a bold new chapter for the team.
Celebrating the news, New Zealand wing trimmer and co-CEO Blair Tuke said: “Black Foils embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our team. New Zealand sport has a longstanding affinity with the colour black, it symbolises strength, courage, passion and resilience – values that are all integral to our team and what we stand for.”
Driver and co-CEO Peter Burling added: “The Black Foils represent the spirit of New Zealand. We’re a nation of pioneers, achievers, and ocean lovers. The foils are what allow us to fly above the water at speeds of up to 100km/hr –they represent innovation and progression in our sport.”
Established by Burling and Tuke in 2020, the New Zealand SailGP Team entered the global racing championship in Season 2 and is now one of the most formidable teams in the fleet. Regularly jostling at the top of the leaderboard, New Zealand finished second overall in Season 3 and is currently second in the overall season standings, eight points behind Australia.
SailGP has recorded unstoppable growth in New Zealand and around the world – last year’s ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch was watched by more than 400,000 Kiwis, and New Zealand has tripled its digital following so far this season.
Black Foils is part of a wider strategic movement within the SailGP global championship for teams to develop unique identities to complement national markers, with a phased rollout across this and subsequent seasons.
The New Zealand SailGP Team continues to race for purpose alongside its charity partner Live Ocean Foundation, using the power of sport and the platform of SailGP to raise awareness for the need for collective action to protect and restore the ocean.
