SailGP: New boat in build for Black Foils following Auckland collision
Team France and the Black Foils collide during racing on Race Day 1 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland, New Zealand. Image courtesy of Simon Bruty for SailGP
New Zealand’s Black Foils will not compete at this week’s Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, with work continuing on a replacement F50 after damage sustained during a crash in Auckland in February 2026.
In a statement, the team says it is working through a return to racing, despite the long lead time required to commission the new boat.
The replacement boat is being built by SailGP Technologies after the team’s F50 Amokura was involved in a high-speed collision with DS Automobiles Team France on day one of February’s ITM New Zealand SailGP in Auckland.
Salvageable components from the New Zealand boat have already been used to support repairs to the French entry, under post-incident protocols. France is set to compete in Rio, while the remaining parts of the New Zealand boat are being transported to Southampton.
Further clarity on the Black Foils’ return is expected after the Rio event. The Rolex SailGP Championship calendar then moves on to Bermuda on 10-11 May, New York on 31 May-1 June and Halifax on 21-22 June, before the European leg begins in Portsmouth on 26-27 July.
Black Foils co-CEO and driver Peter Burling says the team’s return timeline is still unclear.
“Missing any event is hard on the team, but we also appreciate that there are a lot of moving parts in building a new boat and getting that boat to an event,” he says. “We are working closely with the league on solving that puzzle. We already get limited time on our boats across the year so adding in commissioning time for a completely new boat also adds a layer of complexity. SailGP Technologies does an amazing job looking after the league’s needs, and we know they are trying to get us back out there as soon as possible.”
Black Foils grinder Louis Sinclair sustained fractures to both legs in the Auckland collision and underwent surgery on his right leg. After treatment at Auckland Hospital and a recovery period in Auckland, he has returned to Antigua to continue rehabilitation with family support.
Medical staff report that Sinclair is progressing following surgery, although a timeline for his return to competition has not been confirmed.
Black Foils co-CEO and Wing Trimmer Blair Tuke says Sinclair’s response to the injury has had an impact within the team.
“The way Louis has handled his injury has been remarkable. His calmness in the immediate aftermath through to his ongoing recovery has been special to see. I know it’s been something that has really helped the team come together at this time and make us all stronger for our eventual return to racing.”
While sailing activity is paused, other members of the team continue preparation work under Black Foils head coach Matt Steven. Members of the shore crew are scheduled to travel to England later this month to support work at SailGP Technologies in Southampton and assist with the delivery of the new F50.
Burling adds: “We are always incredibly grateful for the support of our fans and partners and even more so during challenging times like this. The messages of support and ongoing encouragement are invaluable.”
The New Zealand team has extended best wishes to DS Automobiles Team France ahead of its return to racing following the collision.
