The Black Foils are back on top. New Zealand’s F50 squad delivered a clinical performance in the final race of the SailGP Portsmouth event to win the Grand Final, marking their first overall regatta victory since Dubai — the very first event of Season 5.
It was a race full of pressure, poise and perfectly judged aggression from Peter Burling and crew, who started last off the line but read the breeze, played the splits, and pulled off a key right-hand cross in the final legs to seal the deal.
With winds shifting across the course and the final shortened to seven legs, it was anyone’s game — but it was New Zealand who found the mode, the breeze and the mindset to win.
Black Foils fly to dominant win as Swiss clinch first SailGP final spot at Portsmouth 2025
Swiss start strong, but it doesn’t last
The start was all Switzerland. Sebastien Schneiter timed the gun beautifully, launching from the pin end to take pole position at Mark 1. Emirates GBR’s Dylan Fletcher showed good awareness, giving room and holding second, while New Zealand rounded third — a full 4.2 seconds behind the British.
By Gate 2, the Black Foils were still chasing. But a split course opened options. The Swiss hesitated mid-line. New Zealand attacked wide. Suddenly, it was game on.
“They were very slow through the manoeuvre,” the commentators noted of the Swiss rounding, as Burling led his team to the opposite side of the course. It was a gamble — but it paid off.
Tactical brilliance at the top
The Black Foils showed their steel on the beat to Gate 3. While GBR and SUI continued to wrestle, the Kiwis kept clear air, found pressure, and made ground.
By Mark 4, they’d taken the lead.
Peter Burling’s timing was spot on — especially at the critical cross with GBR, who had right of way. With centimetres in it, the Kiwi boat crossed ahead and held the inside lane to the favoured right turn. It was a brave, precise manoeuvre — and it won the race.
“Clear cross. That was well judged — but my Lord, that was brave,” came the call.
From there, it was textbook. Switzerland dropped off the foils and out of contention. Emirates GBR tried one last push down the final run, but the Kiwis had already opened an eight-second buffer.
“Just clinical from the Black Foils”
The closing manoeuvre was executed without fault. A clean left turn at the bottom mark led into a short final sprint. GBR couldn’t close the gap. New Zealand crossed the finish line in 8 minutes, 46 seconds — nine seconds ahead of the Brits, and well clear of the Swiss.
It was a composed, courageous win. The team of Burling, Tuke, Leo Takahashi, Louie Sinclair and Marcus Hansen looked sharp throughout the final day — and delivered when it mattered.
“They just seem like they can find a way somehow, some way,” came the post-race praise.
For Emirates GBR, it was heartbreak at home. For Switzerland, still chasing a first final win, it was a reminder of how fine the margins are.
But for the Black Foils — it was redemption. And, quite possibly, a turning point for their season.
Blair Tuke interview after the win!
Boating New Zealand congratulate the entire Black Foils team. What an amazing race.
