Black Foils make waves as New Zealand’s latest SailGP sensation

AUCKLAND, Today: Last week, the New Zealand SailGP Team revealed their new identity, the Black Foils, symbolising a bold step into the future. This new chapter reflects New Zealand’s excellence in sports, just in time for their eagerly awaited home event.

Blair Tuke, the team’s wing trimmer and co-CEO, expressed his excitement: “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.”

Peter Burling, the driver and co-CEO, shared his perspective: “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.”

The team’s new brand identity was crafted in collaboration with True Limited. Matt Heays, Partner and Creative Director at True Limited, said, “It has been a privilege to work with the SailGP team to develop their new identity. SailGP is the most exciting race on the water, and the new team identity puts them at the forefront of that.”

The unveiling comes just before the Season 4 SailGP event in Christchurch, showing the team’s readiness and momentum. True Limited also contributed to the campaign for this event, aligning closely with SailGP’s global creative direction.

“The Black Foils represent the spirit of New Zealand. We’re a nation of pioneers, achievers, and ocean lovers.”

Since its formation in 2020 by Burling and Tuke, the New Zealand SailGP Team has quickly become one of the leading contenders in the championship, consistently performing at the top. This new identity marks an exciting time of growth for the sport, which has seen a significant increase in following in New Zealand.

Burling hopes the new identity will unify and excite fans: “New Zealand sailing fans are among the most passionate in the world, and we hope this identity is one our supporters can get behind – whether cheering us on in Lyttelton, or watching us halfway across the globe.”

The Black Foils name is part of SailGP’s initiative for teams to establish distinct identities, enhancing the overall fan experience. Abby Bolstad, General Manager at True, notes the importance of this for fans: “SailGP is for a new era of fans who want to get closer to the action… there’s even one billboard where the boat cracks the glass.”

With their campaign currently active across various platforms, fans can anticipate seeing more of the Black Foils in action at the upcoming ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch, happening on March 23-24, 2024.

About SailGP
SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water. The global championship features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe. The high-tech, high-speed action features sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h. SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. See the full SailGP Season 4 calendar here.

About Black Foils
Led by legendary sailing duo Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, the New Zealand SailGP Team entered SailGP in Season 2. Since then, the Kiwis have grown into one of the most formidable teams in the league, racing on their high-tech, supercharged F50 catamaran, Amokura.

Alongside its on-water performance, the team is driven by the mission to race for a healthy ocean and uses the platform of SailGP to communicate the importance of ocean restoration alongside its partner, Live Ocean Foundation.