Auckland struggles: A weekend to forget
SailGP’s return to Auckland was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming for New Zealand’s Black Foils. Instead, the event exposed weaknesses in a team that had looked nearly unstoppable in previous rounds. Emirates Great Britain and Australia capitalised on New Zealand’s uncharacteristic missteps, leaving Burling’s crew searching for answers.
“We just didn’t quite get it together in Auckland,” Burling admitted. “It was frustrating because we know our potential, but we weren’t executing when it counted.”
Several factors contributed to New Zealand’s struggles. Their starts were inconsistent, forcing them into difficult positions early in races. Boat handling—normally a strong point for the team—appeared shaky at times, leading to costly mistakes. In contrast to their commanding performance in Dubai, where they dominated the fleet, Auckland saw a Black Foils squad struggling to find their rhythm.
Lessons learned: Burling’s reflections
Despite the disappointment, Burling remains pragmatic. He acknowledged that the Auckland event provided valuable lessons as the season enters a crucial phase.
“We’ve spent a lot of time reviewing what went wrong,” he said. “The key is to learn from it and make sure we come back stronger.”
One major area of focus has been consistency at the start line. In high-level foiling competition, a poor start often leaves teams battling from the back—a position where overtaking is incredibly difficult. Burling and his team know they need to refine their starting strategies if they are to regain their competitive edge.
Another lesson is decision-making under pressure. The Auckland races highlighted moments where tactical calls didn’t go their way. These fine margins can be the difference between winning and losing in a fleet as competitive as SailGP.
Sydney showdown: A chance to reset
As the Black Foils turn their attention to Sydney, there is a sense of determination within the camp. Burling believes the team is capable of a strong response and is eager to prove that Auckland was an anomaly rather than a trend.
“Sydney is a great venue, and we know we can perform well there,” he said. “We need to go in with a clear plan and execute it properly.”
Conditions in Sydney could play a decisive role. The harbour is known for its tricky wind shifts and unpredictable gusts, which will test every team’s adaptability. With the overall season standings tightening, New Zealand must deliver a strong performance to maintain their position among the frontrunners.
Rivals weigh in
While the Black Foils analyse their own performance, their rivals have taken notice. Australia’s Tom Slingsby acknowledged that New Zealand remains one of the most dangerous teams in the fleet but suggested their struggles in Auckland show how quickly fortunes can change in SailGP.
“Every team has off weekends, and Auckland was one for New Zealand,” Slingsby said. “But I have no doubt they’ll be right back in the mix in Sydney.”
Quentin Delapierre of France echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how competitive the fleet has become.
“There are no easy wins anymore,” he said. “Everyone is pushing hard, and mistakes get punished quickly.”
Keeping the Kiwi spirit alive
Despite the setbacks in Auckland, New Zealand’s fanbase remains one of the most passionate in SailGP. The support from local spectators was evident, even as the Black Foils struggled on the water.
Burling acknowledged the importance of that backing. “We always feel the support from Kiwi fans,” he said. “It drives us to be better and to push harder.”
Sydney presents another opportunity—not just for redemption, but for the Black Foils to reaffirm their place at the top of SailGP. With valuable lessons learned from Auckland, the team is ready to fight back.
